This archive report was first published on 5 July 2019.
Imran Tahir, the 40-year-old leg-spinner, will play his 107th and final One-Day International (ODI) for South Africa on Saturday against reigning champions Australia in Manchester.
Having made his ODI debut in February 2011, just a month before his 32nd birthday, Tahir has taken 172 wickets in the format, a testament to his enduring skill and dedication.
Despite a disappointing World Cup campaign for South Africa, which has seen the team win just two of their eight matches, Tahir remains focused on finishing on a high note.
"As a team, we need to think about finishing on a good note," he said. "But it makes me feel very sad and emotional that I'm going to leave."
Tahir, who was born in Pakistan but married to a South African, has been a key figure in South Africa's ODI team, and his departure will be deeply felt by his teammates and fans.
"It was always my dream to play international cricket and I'm really grateful to everyone who helped me along on the way," Tahir said. "They accepted me for who I was, the guy who came from overseas."
As he prepares to bid farewell to international cricket, Tahir remains optimistic about the future of South African cricket, citing the talent and potential of the team's young players.
"I'm not worried about the future of the team -- there are a lot of youngsters," he said. "I strongly believe there is lots of talent but they just need experience and then they'll get to the stage where everyone wants to see South African cricket."
