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AB backs youngsters to claim 2019 World Cup

Cape Town - Proteas batsman AB de Villiers is impressed with the new generation of cricketers stepping onto the international stage.

De Villiers believes that with several youngsters coming up the ranks, the Proteas have a real chance of finally obtaining and winning the World Cup trophy in 2019.

Over the weekend, South African fans were introduced to several new faces in Proteas gear for the first two T20 games against Sri Lanka.

Already we've seen stand-out performances from 20-year-old Lungi Ngidi, who has shown a promising start to his international career by taking six wickets in his two T20 appearances.

"Really impressive, there's so much talent around," De Villers told Titans' YouTube channel.

"Really cool, fresh, calm heads - so it's great to watch on telly and see the guys perform.

"There's great talent in this country, it's just a matter of getting them through and with some exposure and I surely believe the World Cup trophy will come home in a few years time."

De Villiers believes that if the Proteas can end the Champions Trophy on a high there is no doubt that it will aid in the 2019 World Cup.

Both tournaments will be held in England.

"The Champions Trophy is a massive tournament in itself," said De Villiers.

"It'll be a great moment for us to win, but with the 2019 World Cup also in the UK - the Champions Trophy is perfect preparation for it.

"If you have a good 2017 Champions Trophy, you put yourself in a very good position to win the World Cup. So that's definitely the plan."

Watch full interview below:

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