Ngidi had SuperSport Park chanting his name

Published Jan 21, 2017

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Johannesburg – No one was going to wipe the smile from Lungi Ngidi’s face on Friday night as he tried to reflect on an international debut that saw him bowl just two overs, but make such an impression that many in the main Grand Stand at SuperSport Park were chanting his name.

That came at the end of the eighth over of Sri Lanka’s innings – Ngidi’s second and final in the rain-shortened game – in which the 20 year old had picked up the wickets of Sekkugge Prassana and Kusal Mendis, while conceding just four runs.

It all but sealed victory for South Africa – which ultimately came by 19 runs – and despite just a brief showing off of his skills, he’d already gained heroic status at his home ground.

“I’ve never heard people actually scream my name like that, and it really was amazing,” he said about the reception he received as he went to take up his fielding position. “I’ve been working hard, to get where I am and for the fans to acknowledge and support me the way they did and chanting my name... I got a bit emotional. I had to take a moment for myself there and focus on the game again.”

Following the chanting, came recognition as the Man of the Match and his path back to the dressing-room was slowed by supporters wanting autographs and pictures. “I’ve never had that many people ask for my autograph or to take my picture, usually it’s the odd one or two but now there’s even more, it’s a bit overwhelming, but I’ll get there eventually.”

It helped playing at his homeground, a venue he knows well and where he’s played in high pressure games before including this season’s T20 Challenge final for his franchise the Titans, also in front of a packed SuperSport Park.

Rain had reduced Friday night’s match to 10-overs-a-side and while South Africa’s total of 126/5 was a very good one, a shortened game can prove to be a lottery. “I was nervous it was 10 overs because I’d played a short game before and it didn’t really go my way. I knew I had to step up. I put all the negatives out of my head, we’d had a positive team talk and all that was left was to go out there and do the job.”

“I’ve played in a few finals, and I’ve been under pressure a few times already. That’s one of the things that I felt was to my advantage,” said Ngidi.

“Opening the bowling for your country is not a joke, it’s quite a serious matter. I just tried to focus on the method that’s worked for me and that’s to just stay in the moment. There’s nothing else you can really do but deliver the ball one at a time and from there see what happens.”

The second T20 International between South Africa and Sri Lanka will be played at the Wanderers on Sunday.

Independent Media

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