In the early morning chill of the Klein Karoo valley, where the town of Oudtshoorn lies, one family stood apart from the rest on a recent Saturday night. While the entire town settled into their homes to escape the cold, the Baartman family stayed awake, glued to their screens. From 1:30 AM until just after 4:30, they watched intently as Ottneil Baartman, their own, defended seven runs in the final over, securing a thrilling victory for South Africa against Nepal.
Upon returning to his hotel, Baartman found his phone flooded with messages from his family. They were brimming with pride and joy, eager to celebrate his achievement despite the early hour. "When we got back to the hotel, I had several messages from them," Baartman shared from Antigua, where South Africa is preparing to face the USA in their first Super Eight game. He jokingly questioned their sleep habits, noting it was 3 AM in South Africa. They responded that it was a delight to support him, underscoring the importance of a strong support system, especially when things don’t go as planned.
South Africa’s victory over Nepal was a nail-biter that went down to the last ball, a scenario they hadn't intended to find themselves in, much like their previous tight game against Bangladesh. Similarly, their chase of a modest 104 against the Netherlands was unexpectedly difficult, nearly leading to a third consecutive World Cup defeat to the Dutch. On all these occasions, Baartman played a pivotal role in steering the team back on course.
Baartman’s exceptional performance included taking 4 for 11, which stifled the Netherlands and restricted them to 103 for 9. His bowling in the penultimate over against Bangladesh conceded just seven runs, setting up Keshav Maharaj to defend the rest. Against Nepal, Baartman skilfully used wide yorkers and short balls in the final over, preventing Gulsan Jha from capitalising and ensuring South Africa’s unbeaten streak in the group stage.
Remarkably, this is Baartman’s first international tour and overseas trip. Reflecting on his composure under pressure, he credited his coaches from his academy days and high school, who taught him to stay calm in challenging situations. He emphasised the importance of execution under pressure and not showing fear, noting that those small margins often decide the game.
Baartman’s mindset and skills have been evident throughout his performances, but his journey has not been without struggle. Playing cricket in the South Western Districts, an area often overlooked in favour of more prominent regions like Cape Town and Paarl, he once considered a career in the South African National Defence Force as cricket seemed a distant dream. Despite the odds, he continued to pursue his passion, commuting long distances to play professionally in Durban while keeping his family in Oudtshoorn. It wasn’t until after turning 30—an age where athletes are usually seen as nearing the end of their careers—that Baartman finally gained significant attention.
Baartman’s breakthrough came during the SA20 league, where he was the leading wicket-taker until the final match. This opportunity showcased his talent and led to his selection for the World Cup, a moment foreshadowed by his bowling coach, Dale Steyn, who had encouraged him to stay true to himself and seize the opportunities coming his way. Baartman recalled Steyn’s words about doors opening and the importance of remaining grounded.
At the World Cup, Steyn, now part of the commentary team, has shared supportive moments with Baartman, who does not have his family present at the tournament. Instead, his parents, wife, and young children—one seven years old and the other just three months—are cheering him on from more than 10,000 kilometres away.
For Baartman, representing his country in a World Cup is beyond anything he had imagined. "It's incredible. Playing for your country in any format is special, but doing it in a World Cup is magnificent," he expressed. "I've cherished every moment of this journey and look forward to many more."
This touching journey from Oudtshoorn to the world stage reflects Baartman’s resilience and passion for cricket, inspiring those who follow his path and celebrate his successes from afar.