Utseya gutted by loss after hat-trick

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Cricket365
August 30, 2014

Zimbabwe spinner Prosper Utseya was pleased to become only the second player from his country to take an ODI hat-trick, against South Africa in Harare on Friday, but was disappointed to still end up on the losing side.

Utseya took five wickets as the Proteas' top order collapsed, and only a final wicket stand saw them record 231. But the visitors' bowling attack was too strong, and they won by 61 runs to negate Prosper's efforts.

Utseya, the Man of the Match, said afterwards: "I have mixed feelings. I'm happy that I managed to get the wickets and put my team in a strong position. Obviously I'm disappointed that we didn't win the game.

"Spin is one of our strengths, especially playing at home. We tend to prepare wickets that are slow and that turn. So we'll always try to play to our strengths when we're playing at home."

Utseya started his five-wicket run by bagging opener Hashim Amla for 66. Five runs later, he got his hat-trick as he removed Quinton de Kock for 76, and then Rilee Rossouw and David Miller.

He explained: "I just realised it was one of the key moments during the game, so I decided to go a little more on the attacking side because I could see that I was getting more assistance from the wicket and it was always going to be difficult for the guy coming in to bat.

"At the time I was bowling a lot slower because I knew that I was on top and I had, I think, four guys around the bat. So if, for example, you get someone out lbw he might have thought you were bowling it quicker but when the next guy comes in you bowl it slower.

"It also comes with experience: the more you play, the more you learn to vary your pace to your advantage, especially if you're on top.

"I just try and enjoy my cricket. Every time you go out there and play for your country, if you're enjoying it you tend to play better. With freedom."