SA must find a spell to beat the spin wizards
Pakistan bowlers put the brakes on us at St George’s, says Amla
South Africa will need to find a way to counter-attack Pakistan’s spinners if they are to level the one-day international series when the teams meet in Durban on Tuesday (1pm).
The squads head to Kingsmead with the visitors 1-0 up after beating the Proteas by five wickets in the opening game of five at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.
South Africa posted an insufficient 266 for only two wickets and Pakistan paced their innings well, despite a few late flutters, to get home with five balls to spare.
Hashim Amla, who made an unbeaten 108, said Pakistan’s four spinners had put the skids on any acceleration he and Rassie van der Dussen had been planning.
“It wasn’t that free-flowing pitch up front.
“They managed to bowl quite a few spinners which stunted us a bit in the middle overs and the back end.
“They also bowled quite a few yorkers to make it difficult for us as well.
“It was a tough pitch to bat on. I know we only lost two wickets but it was kind of tough to get the ball rolling.
“They also bowled pretty well towards the back end.
“We tried to score but we couldn’t get to it.
“It was one of those games where unfortunately we didn’t get the acceleration towards the back end of the innings.”
Man of the match Mohammad Hafeez, who steered the ship home with 71 off only 63 balls, said the Pakistan team had been pleased when SA did not kick on to a higher total.
“The bowlers did the job for us. We restricted them from getting that par score.
“We were thinking 290-300 was a par score on this track, but the bowlers really put in a great effort. Once it was 266 we were all very confident. We knew one good partnership would make it. It was a good start by the openers and then Babar Zaman also did a good job for us,” Hafeez said.
There was at least one bright light for SA with debutant Van der Dussen making 93 at number three.
“Rassie batted exceptionally well,” Amla said. “Obviously, someone on debut coming in is always going to have the added nerves more than anything.
“It was the kind of pitch where somebody coming in finds it difficult.
“It took about 20 to 30 balls to get the pace of the pitch and get some kind of rhythm. He got through that and then batted really beautifully.”
Amla also said he was pleased with the progress of Reeza Hendricks, who made 45.
Hendricks opened with Amla in the absence of Quinton de Kock, who is being rested for the first two games.
“Reeza has a few games under his belt and he’s been doing pretty well.
“He’s calm, composed and we know he’s a wonderful player and guys like him and Rassie will only get better.”
Amla said the team would need to bounce back in Durban. “It’s just the first game, so I don’t think it’s too much of a back-foot situation.
“They say you learn more from your losses, so I don’t think we should look too far ahead. The next game is around the corner and we obviously want to get in a better performance and a victory.”
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