Johannesburg – Proteas captain, JP Duminy, lauded a clinical all-round performance in the first T20 International (T20I) against Australia at the Adelaide Oval on Wednesday.
The Proteas won by seven wickets chasing down 145 to take a 1-0 lead ahead of the second match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday.
“We did a lot of talking about starting well in this series,” Duminy said after the match.
“With a lot of new faces around there can be a lot of nerves and playing in this environment can be challenging.”
Duminy said it was vital for his charges to come back after Australia had started well in the first three overs of their innings.
“Us coming back with the four wickets in quick succession was great. I think all-round from a bowling perspective I was happy with the plans, and the execution most of all, throughout the 20
overs.” Bowling at the death by the Proteas was much improved according to Duminy.
“The execution was outstanding. That's a big tick for our seamers and spinners.
“I thought we used the dimensions of the ground well, especially with the long straight, so getting the ball in the block-hole was key for us. That is something we spoke about from the 13th over and it came down to execution coupled with great fielding, we were on the button throughout the 20 overs.”
Rilee Rossouw put behind him a poor ODI run to make the highest T20I score by a South African on debut, and said an encouraging team environment was the driving force behind his turnaround in form.
“It comes down to team dynamics,” Rossouw said.
“The team has been supportive. Eventhough I have been through some tough times, the team has always been there for me. There is always someone to lean on, to ask for advice and that's how I kept positive.” Duminy was equally supportive of Rossouw, whose man-of-the-match performance rounded off the perfect chase.
“We have all been through it,” Duminy said of Rossouw's poor form.
“We have all had tough times, especially at this level, and it's tough to get yourself up when things aren't going well. Sometimes you need some things to go your way like it did tonight for him.” – Sapa