CAPE TOWN - Proteas captain Faf du Plessis has admitted “it is quite nice coming back here and winning” after his team started putting the ghosts of Eden Park to rest with a comprehensive T20 thrashing of the Black Caps on Friday.
The tour opener was the first time South Africa had returned to the stage of their epic 2015 World Cup semi-final defeat to New Zealand. Prior to the game there was plenty of talk about how South Africa would deal with their emotions, but due to the brilliance of Imran Tahir and Hashim Amla there was no drama this time around.
Tahir claimed a career-best 5/24 and Amla contributed 62 off 43 balls.
“It’s obviously a once-off T20, so anything can happen but we played some good cricket tonight on a wicket that bounced. We were consistent with the bat. It is nice coming back here and winning,” Du Plessis said post-match.
The T20 skipper would certainly have been pleased with his entire bowling unit – bar Wayne Parnell – on the evening. Chris Morris and Dane Paterson set the tone upfront in the absence of the rested Kagsio Rabada with the former particularly impressive.
Morris completed a double-wicket maiden over to peg New Zealand’s run chase back. All-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo (3/19) continued the good work with a solid three-wicket haul too.
Tahir was though the star of the show. The world’s top-ranked T20 and ODI bowler continues to produce high-quality performances, but he was overly ecstatic with his maiden T20 five-wicket haul on Friday evening.
“It’s a very special feeling. Every wicket I take for South Africa is a special feeling. I just want to express myself. If I get tired, I get tired. It’s a good feeling,” Tahir said.
“I stay with my plans. It’s a small ground. There’s less margin for error for a spinner, especially with the rain around. I’ve been working hard in the nets to try and figure out where I can be successful in New Zealand.”
The Black Caps would have been aware of Tahir’s progress before the rout, but having now succumbed to it, there are even greater dangers ahead with the five-match One-Day International series looming. The first ODI is set for Hamilton's Seddon Park on Sunday.
Tahir is certainly not going to let up but respects the fact that the Kiwis will welcome back more experienced batsman like former captain Ross Taylor and Dean Brownlie.
“I am looking forward to the challenge,” Tahir said of the ODI series. “New Zealand is obviously a great side. It’s always a challenge playing against these guys. I’m looking forward to it.”