A look at the points table and it will seem that South Africa have been clinical at the group stage with four consecutive wins. However, the Proteas have registered close wins and their batting is yet to fire in unison. In a dead rubber clash against Nepal, South Africa were expected to dominate but it wasn’t to be. After leaving New York, their batting lineups struggled in Caribbean conditions too. They managed to post 115/7 and once again bowlers were tasked to pull off a tough job. The Aiden Markram-led side won by just one run in a last-ball thriller. The win was a relief but it left several questions for South Africa to answer before the Super 8 stage.
“Very grateful to have got the win. Don't think we were anywhere near our best tonight. For large parts, don’t think we thought we’d be on the right side of that as well. Lot of learnings for us,” Markram said in the post-match presentation.
Two spinners instead of one
Tabraiz Shamsi who replaced Keshav Maharaj was the ‘Player of the match’ with four wickets for just 19 runs. Markram admitted that he did not read the conditions well and should have included another spinner in the side.
“We’ve got a really good pace attack and you have to back that. We spoke about coming in with energy and see if there was anything in the wicket. In hindsight we should’ve played another spinner, didn’t think it would spin that much,” the top-order batter said.
“No injury to Keshav, Shamsi hadn’t played in a while, thought this was a great opportunity to get him some game time. In hindsight we should’ve played both spinners,” he added.
Markram lauds Nepal bowlers
Markram gave credit to Nepal for putting them under pressure. Despite the dismal show, he continues to back the players.
“They (Nepal) bowled really well and made it tough for us. They put us under a lot of pressure and it shows the quality they have. Mix that with a lack of conviction in our dressing room so there’s a lot of learnings for us. It’s about backing the players we’ve developed and going forward with that. Conditions very different here, being able to adapt is important and the structure might change going forward. It’s one of the great challenges of cricket, being able to assess conditions and adapt,” said the 29-year-old.
South Africa will face an in-form USA in their first Super 8 clash at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua on June 18.
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