Canberra – Lost amid the whirlwind that was AB de Villiers’ century at the SCG on Friday night was Imran Tahir’s increasing value to the South African one-day side.
Much-maligned for his inability to make an impact at Test level, Tahir has thus far at this World Cup lived up to Gary Kirsten’s billing of him in 2014 as South Africa’s “key” bowler.
Operating behind a seam bowling unit like South Africa’s is probably to Tahir’s benefit, but he’s also been good enough with all his variations to pick up nine wickets in the tournament to date.
That has him tied for third among the tournament’s leading wicket-takers behind New Zealand pair Tim Southee (13) and Trent Boult (10).
On Friday at the SCG he picked up his first ODI “five-for” claiming 5/45 in 10 overs.
At one stage, with the West Indies floundering, he had the astonishing figures of 4-1-5-4 before Jason Holder climbed into him.
Nevertheless, it was a superb display of his control and variety, and sets him up well for the remainder of the tournament.
While there may be doubts about how some of his teammates react on the big stage, Tahir seems to relish the occasion, and his World Cup record speaks volumes about his temperament.
“I like challenges. I’ve had a lot in my life that I’ve come through, and I’m ready for anything really,” he said after South Africa’s emphatic 257-run win over the West Indies at the SCG.
“I’m just honoured to play for South Africa, to be a part of this team is really special. To walk into the middle wearing green and gold, I want to take 10 wickets every game.”
It’s a passion that shines through in those exuberant celebrations – Friday night’s was another special as, upon taking his fifth wicket, he charged towards the SCG Members’ Pavilion, fell to his knees and appeared to offer a prayer of thanks.
Already, in just eight World Cup matches, he’s picked up 23 wickets, leaving him third behind Allan Donald (38 wickets from 25 matches) and Shaun Pollock (31 wickets from 31 matches).
Tahir was brought on to bowl in the 12th over on Friday, with the West Indies having just lost their third wicket.
Kyle Abbott’s dismissal of their two big guns – Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels – had already rocked the Windies before Morné Morkel removed Jonathan Carter.
Tahir picked up wickets with the first and last ball of that opening over before continuing to cut a swathe of destruction through the West Indies’ middle order with his mixture of leg-spinners, top-spinners and googlies.
Though 35, and with the experience of playing for over 20 teams under his belt, Tahir has still had to do a lot of learning about the demands of international cricket.
Bowling six different balls an over may work to confuse batsmen at domestic level, but against elite players consistency and accuracy are demanded.
“At the last T20 World Cup in Bangladesh I was talking to AB, Hash and Faf. That helped me a lot in my one-day and T20 cricket.
“If I’m bowling to these guys, I know I can bowl to anyone in world cricket.”
Tahir has spent plenty of time improving his fitness, ostensibly to become better in the field, though it’s had benefits for his bowling, while time spent poring over video footage with the national team’s analyst, Prasanna Agorm, has proved beneficial, too.
“Prasanna has been helping me a lot, telling me about my field and what to do. These are small things, but they have improved my game and they are the reason I’ve been consistent.”
Tahir is grateful that he doesn’t have to bowl to his skipper, whose extraordinary innings of 162 not out on Friday lit up the World Cup and re-energised South Africa’s campaign after last week’s big defeat to India in Melbourne.
“It’s an honour to watch him,” said Tahir. “He’s an unbelievable player, for me the best player this century.”
So how would he bowl to De Villiers?
“I’d bowl him two beamers, then I’m out.
“Goof! I’m just really happy to be playing with AB de Villiers and not against him.”