De Villiers proud of de Kock, du Plessis
Captain AB de Villiers delighted in an "exceptional batting performance", as South Africa trounced Zimbabwe by 93 runs in Sunday's first ODI at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
Captain AB de Villiers delighted in an "exceptional batting performance", as South Africa trounced Zimbabwe by 93 runs in Sunday's first ODI at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
The Proteas romped to a formidable total of 309 for three on the back of a century from opener Hashim Amla, fine half-tons from the left-handed Quinton de Kock and right-handed Faf du Plessis.
Three wickets apiece from spinners Aaron Phanigso and Imran Tahir later resigned the hosts to an insufficient 216 all out. Seamer Wayne Parnell, meanwhile, was instrumental in removing the dangerous Vusi Sibanda and half-centurion Sean Williams.
"There were talks of 250 at one point and even Hashim said when he came off that he never thought we would get to 300-plus. I thought it was a great batting performance, it was set up by the man himself with Quinton and Faf batting around him," said de Villiers.
"It shows you that we are quite dangerous with wickets in hand in the last 10 to 15 overs. I thought we were good in the field as well. It is easy to go into a situation where you lose your energy and focus, especially after the first 15 overs where we started well. I thought the boys stuck to their guns quite well, we kept taking wickets and stuck to our skills, it was all round a good 100 or so overs for us."
The in-form Amla was named Man of the Match on the back of an entertaining 122 off 132 deliveries, including six fours and a trio of handsome sixes. He and de Kock added 109 runs inside 21 overs for the first wicket, before du Plessis and company continued the charge.
"I think we complement each other quite well. Quinton, he is a fun batsman to bat with and, often if he gets to a good start, I am able to play my natural game," concluded Amla. ODIs two and three will be hosted at the same venue on Tuesday and Thursday.
Latest
-
NewsBrilliant Will Jacks century leads Oval Invincibles to comfortable victory
Jacks hammered an unbeaten 108 from 48 balls.
-
-
NewsDarren Stevens ‘looking forward to the ‘next chapter’ as his Kent innings ends
The all-rounder will leave Kent after 17 years at the end of the season.
-
NewsDarren Stevens announces his retirement at the age of 46
The all-rounder’s 17-year stint at Kent will end later this year.
-
The HundredHundred history-maker Will Smeed: ‘I very much still want to play everything’
The rising star of the white-ball game could be on England’s radar.
-
The HundredLauren Winfield-Hill stars as Oval Invincibles begin title defence with big win
The home side defeated the Northern Superchargers by nine wickets.
-
NewsSam Curran the main man as Oval Invincibles beat Northern Superchargers
Curran scored 60 in his side’s three-wicket win at the Kia Oval.
-
EnglandEngland opener Alex Lees keen to see aggressive approach adopted in county game
The Durham batter has used the break in Test cricket to spread the word.
-
The Hundred‘It was awesome’ – Will Smeed ends his 90s curse to hit Hundred’s first century
The youngster had fallen short of a maiden century on multiple occasions during the first half of 2022.
-
The HundredWill Smeed becomes first batter to hit ton in Hundred during Birmingham win
The opener cracked an unbeaten 101 off 50 balls.