South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad wasn’t pleased as the Temba Bavuma-led side suffered a 342-run defeat in third ODI of the series against India, the worst loss (by runs) in ODI cricket history. He called it ‘slightly embarrassing’ as South Africa faced a similar loss against Australia last month.
"Any excuse is better than none. We were definitely off today. And against a top side like England, when you're not on top of your game, you do get exposed," Conrad said at the post-match conference.
"A similar thing happened in Australia, where after going 2-0 up, it was a complete aberration. They got in excess of 400 as well. But if we were going to be poor at something, we'd rather be poor at games that aren't clutch games. We're not making light of today's defeat. That was slightly embarrassing."
South Africa register their 2nd lowest ODI score
After England posted 414/5, South Africa were bowled out for 72 in 20.5 overs as they suffered a batting collapse of epic proportions. Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse and Adil Rashid rushed through the Proteas batting lineup at The Rose Bowl, Southampton.
At one point, South Africa were 24/6 in the 10th over. Corbin Bosch (20) and Keshav Maharaj (17) prevented South Africa from getting bowled for their lowest ODI score. Bavuma did not walk out to bat due to calf injury as South Africa were bowled out for 72, their second-lowest ODI score. Their lowest ODI score of 69 came against Australia in 1993. Recently, they were bowled out for 155 in the run chase of 432 against Mitchell Marsh-led side.
Conrad finds collapse ‘very difficult to explain’
Conrad went on to say that South Africa lacked the edge. He found it difficult to explain and supported his argument with Aiden Markram’s dismissal for a two-ball duck.
"Aiden lost his wicket to a pretty innocuous delivery, and that probably summed up the day," Conrad said. "And then from there, before you know it, you're four down. Obviously, the disruption of Temba not being able to bat, that played a part as well but it is very difficult to explain. If you're not on top of your game, if the edge is not there, then you're going to get exposed."
Archer was named 'Player of the match' for a four-wicket haul. He bowled three maidens, conceded 18 runs as he dismantled the South African batting lineup.