South Africa captain Temba Bavuma stated that his team doesn’t like the tag of favorites and they want to keep flying under the radar after they defeated India by five wickets at the Perth Stadium on Sunday to all but seal their semifinals spot in the ongoing T20 World Cup.
The Proteas went to the top of Group 2 in the Super 12 stage after registering their second win of the tournament. South Africa was able to get over the line against India after Lungi Ngidi wreaked havoc by taking four wickets and tormented India’s top order.
India found themselves under the cosh at 49-5 after Rohit Sharma won the toss and decided to bat first. If it was not for Suryakumar Yadav’s fine knock of 40-ball 68, India would have even struggled to breach the 100-run mark.
On the other hand, the Indian bowlers were right on the money as they had South Africa on the ropes at 40-3 after 10 overs. However, David Miller and Aiden Markram stitched a 76-run partnership to get their team back into the contest.
Markram lived a charmed life (he was given three chances) to score 52 while David Miller added the finishing touches as he scored an unbeaten 59. Bavuma revealed that the plan was to show intent after they found themselves under the pump at 40-3 in the run-chase of 134.
Temba Bavuma said in the post-match presentation, “(At the 10-over mark) The discussion was to try and up the intent. When you do that, that’s when opportunities come your way. Fortunately, things did go our way and we were able to get that momentum. Our batting line-up is in good form barring myself. It’s a batting unit that’s been together for a while. To come through in pressure moments will boost the guys’ confidence. We watched the games that were being played here and decided on the lengths. The variable bounce assisted us. We backed our execution, fortunately, it came off for us. We don’t like that tag (favorites), we’ve come into the tournament as not the favorites. We’ll keep flying under the radar. It’s important we keep improving and that’s exactly what we are doing.”
South Africa was able to come up with a collective effort as Lungi Ngidi, Wayne Parnell, Aiden Markram, and David Miller played key roles in the team’s win.
The Proteas have now put one foot in the semifinal doors and they would want to carry the winning impetus in the upcoming matches. South Africa will next take on Pakistan at the SCG, Sydney on Thursday.
