AB wants batsmen to show some fight
South Africa captain AB de Villiers said a lack of significant partnerships was the reason his side could not chase down a modest Pakistan total in the World Cup Pool B clash in Auckland on Saturday.
After bowling Pakistan out for 222 inside 47 overs, the Proteas, who have scored more than 400 in each of their last two matches, folded and were dismissed for 202 to give the team from Asia a thrilling win.
De Villiers was the lone South Africa batsman to show any sort of fight, scoring 77 before being dismissed with 32 runs still needed. The next best Protea batsman was Hashim Amla with 28.
After the match AB said: "It’s a disappointing loss. We didn't get enough partnerships during the pressure situations. We have done it in the past but unfortunately tonight we couldn't do that.
"I felt that Pakistan wanted it more than us. There is nothing wrong with the batting, it’s a matter of urgency and being prepared to fight it out."
There seems to be a thought that if De Villiers does not make runs the Proteas would not do well, it certainly was the case on Saturday, as without the skipper the Proteas would have lost by a huge margin
On maybe the Proteas relying to much on him, De Villiers said: "I have full faith in the abilities of the players around me, that is why they are all here. I know I can't win this World Cup alone, there is no way, I need my teammates and I know they have the capabilities to do that.
"It’s a matter of pulling together as a side and moving forward as a unit."
Latest
-
NewsMatt Henry and Ben Green help Somerset keep perfect record
Umpire Sue Redfern wrote her name into the history books when she became the first female to officiate on-field in a Blast fixture.
-
NewsUmpire Sue Redfern makes Blast history as Gloucestershire brush aside Middlesex
Redfern is the first female umpire to officiate on-field in a Vitality Blast fixture.
-
NewsJoe Root cannot wait to perform in Ashes without burden of captaincy
Root has skippered England in the past three Ashes series, but hit 460 runs without the captaincy in 2015.
-
NewsHuge blow for England with spinner Jack Leach ruled out of Ashes
Leach experienced low back symptoms during England’s win over Ireland at Lord’s.
-
NewsJosh Hazlewood set to be fit for Ashes despite missing Test Championship final
The 32-year-old has been managing an Achilles issue as well as a side injury in recent months.
-
NewsJosh Tongue impresses and Ben Duckett shows pedigree – 5 England things
Ben Stokes’ side beat Ireland inside three days but Australia will provide a much sterner test.
-
EnglandBen Stokes plays down fitness fears after not batting or bowling against Ireland
England won by 10 wickets after being set 11 for victory.
-
EnglandJosh Tongue claims five on debut as England beat battling Ireland by 10 wickets
England made it 11 wins in 13 Tests under Ben Stokes’ and Brendon McCullum but endured a frustrating day at Lord’s.
-
EnglandResistance of Ireland tail-enders ensures England must bat again at Lord’s
Debutant Josh Tongue claimed a five-wicket haul but Mark Adair and Andy McBrine hit fifties for dogged Ireland.
-
IrelandHarry Tector half-century helps Ireland hold up England victory charge at Lord’s
Josh Tongue, Jack Leach and Joe Root claimed wickets but Ireland made it through until lunch on day three.