South African skipper Aiden Markram showered praise on Reeza Hendricks after they bested India by five wickets (DLS method) at St George’s Park, Gqeberha on Tuesday. Hendricks played a match-winning knock of 49 runs off just 27 balls in the revised run-chase of 152 runs.
The South African opener scored eight fours and one massive six of 93 meters against Arshdeep Singh. Hendricks also added a quick opening alliance of 42 runs with Matthew Breetkze before the latter was run out.
Hendricks was in decent form in the World Cup and he was able to continue the good show in the absence of Quinton de Kock. Markram said Hendricks was fantastic at the top of the order and he has adopted a leadership role in batting for his team.
Markram said in the post-match presentation, “Hendricks has been fantastic, super happy for him, he has adopted a bit of a leadership role with the batting. Another brilliant knock from him tonight.”
The Proteas skipper was delighted to put in a complete performance in front of the home crowd.
He added, “A bit bleak about Durban, it was disappointing. Great crowd in today and it’s nice to put in a performance in front of them. It was on the slower side. But after the rain came in, it quickened up. Sometimes you try too much in T20 cricket, if a match up works you go with him. But, you don’t want to keep him for too long as the batter lines him up.”
Markram added that the form of the players is crucial and they need to back the in-form players.
He concluded, “You gotta pick form players going into the World Cup. There might still be a couple of places up for grabs. Every player is working hard and giving his best. The healthy competition means a lot for us.”
The third and final T20I of the series will be played at New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg on Thursday.
