Definitive gameplan serves de Kock well
Wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock welcomed the Man of the Match award, after leading South Africa to a four-run win in Wednesday's rain-affected first Twenty20 International against Pakistan at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock welcomed the Man of the Match award, after leading South Africa to a four-run win in Wednesday's rain-affected first Twenty20 International against Pakistan at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.
De Kock, selected ahead of the fit-again Graeme Smith, justified the decision entirely en route to a quickfire 43 in a fine total of 153 for seven.
The young left-hander's vigil featured all of eight fours and spanned a mere 33 deliveries. Fellow opener Hashim Amla, meanwhile, struck a fluid 31 during a brisk alliance of 72 inside eight overs.
"I felt with a wicket like that, 153 was enough. The bowlers did well to defend that. I think when I came into international cricket I did not have a gameplan, but I have had some advise from my franchise seniors and it is coming into effect," said de Kock.
Triumphant captain Faf du Plessis, meanwhile, appreciated a successful choice – after introducing part-time spinner JP Duminy before specialist leg-spinner Imran Tahir.
Duminy clinched the key wicket of opener Nasir Jamshed in his opening over, shortly before the inclement weather forced the players off the field.
"I saw that the ball was skidding on when the fast bowlers were bowling so that's when I thought about JP. The bowling has been excellent," added du Plessis.
"I am enjoying the captaincy at the moment. You do enjoy when you keep winning. We were well below par here and they pulled it back nicely. It is unfortunate that it ended like this, in the rain."
The second and final T20I will get underway at Newlands in Cape Town on Friday. Three ODIs will follow, the first of which will be hosted by the same venue on Sunday.
Latest
-
England
England will not adopt negative approach after humbling in India – Zak Crawley
England will aim to get ‘Bazball’ back on track this summer against West Indies and Pakistan.
-
Australia
On this day in 2018: Australian trio banned after ball-tampering saga
The trio were handed their punishments on March 28, 2018.
-
County Cricket
Surrey stars eager to help Alec Stewart sign off with more silverware
Stewart has guided Surrey to three County Championship wins during his decade in charge.
-
Women's Cricket
Maia Bouchier smashes 91 as England Women seal T20 series victory
England made 177 for three and then restricted New Zealand to 130 for seven.
-
County Cricket
Yorkshire boosted by Harry Brook and Joe Root’s early-season availability
Both players are not at the Indian Premier League.
-
England
Ollie Pope ‘itching’ to get back scoring runs after ‘frustrating’ tour of India
The England vice-captain hit a superb 196 in Hyderabad, but averaged only 14.75 in the next four Tests of the India series.
-
Women's Cricket
Ellyse Perry says Ashes Test at MCG ‘amazing’ but unsure about four-day return
Australia will host England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the Women’s Ashes early next year.
-
County Cricket
Harry Brook set to return for start of Yorkshire’s County Championship campaign
Brook withdrew from England’s Test tour of India in January due to personal reasons.
-
England
England spinner Tom Hartley expects his exploits in India to be ‘life changing’
Hartley’s second-innings haul of seven for 62 in Hyderabad delivered one England’s greatest ever overseas victories.
-
Women's Cricket
Heather Knight urges more composure from England after New Zealand collapse
The tourists needed just 29 from 29 balls with eight wickets in hand.