‘You live for those pressure moments’
AB de Villiers admits that all his experience played a role in him helping South Africa beat England in the fifth and deciding ODI at Newlands on Sunday.
The Proteas captain, who was playing in his 200th ODI, scored an unbeaten 101 to guide his team to target of 237 with five wickets down as they won the series tree-two, coming back from two-nil down.
The hosts were certainly under the pump early in the chase as England reduced them to 22 for three but that is when De Villiers walked to the middle and immediately took control of the innings.
After the game De Villiers said: "You live for those pressure moments. Through an international career, you have ups and down but you always feel you are gong to be tested in moments like that.
"It has taken me years to feel comfortable and to feel like I have good composure in those situations."
The home team's skipper came to bat one position lower than he usually does at number four but says he feels comfortable with it, especially when chasing a target.
Rilee Rossouw replaced JP Duminy in the starting team and came to bat in the number four position.
De Villiers explained: "I like to push myself a little bit down when we are chasing. I feel I handle the pressure situations well and that's why I want to be there at the end.
"And if he is there at the end, the South Africans always feel they have a chance."
Latest
-
NewsCraig Overton claims 400th first-class wicket in Somerset-Hampshire clash
The England seamer’s three-wicket burst left the contest delicately balanced at the halfway stage.
-
NewsThree positive Covid tests confirmed in New Zealand’s tour party
Batter Henry Nicholls, seamer Blair Tickner and bowling coach Shane Jurgensen will self-isolate for five days.
-
NewsZak Crawley outdone by Ben Compton as Kent start strongly at Northamptonshire
Opener Compton stole the show with an unbeaten 125.
-
NewsMark Wood admits frustration over slow progress from elbow surgery
Wood is targeting a Test return towards the back end of the summer.
-
NewsMcCullum hopes ‘attractive brand of Test cricket’ can see red-ball game thrive
New head coach Brendon McCullum is looking to transform England’s fortunes.
-
NewsEffects of lockdown on bowlers may be playing part in spate of stress fractures
In the past week Jofra Archer, Saqib Mahmood and Matthew Fisher have all been ruled out for the season with lower back injuries.
-
NewsBen Stokes to be subject of Amazon documentary created by Sam Mendes
The 30-year-old will open up on his World Cup and Headingley heroics as well as his off-the-field troubles.
-
NewsJofra Archer setback adds to England’s fast bowling injury crisis
Saqib Mahmood, Jofra Archer and Matthew Fisher have all been ruled out for the season this week.
-
NewsEngland bowler Jofra Archer sidelined for the summer after injury setback
Archer has suffered a stress fracture of the lower back.
-
NewsPaul Farbrace: Che Simmons may play for England after signing Warwickshire deal
The 18-year-old has signed a three-year contract.