Although New Zealand lost their riveting Trans-Tasman derby against Australia in Dharamsala on Saturday, there is a strong argument that they managed their hefty run chase better than the Proteas did theirs on Friday.
Ahead of the two teams meeting in Pune on Wednesday, the Black Caps showed that they remain a resolute and clever bunch who will test all facets of Temba Bavuma’s team.
They went down by five runs in pursuit of 389 against the Australians, but it was a more composed display than that of South Africa, who eventually reached 271 against Pakistan, with just the one wicket in hand.
The Proteas got caught up in the chaos in Chennai. From the cloying heat and the “fong kong” replica shirts which cocked up the spelling of Quinton de Kock’s name, to the batting from both teams, which was crazy most of the time, Friday’s match was about managing the mayhem.
South Africa were able to do so — only just — to keep their semifinal aspirations firmly intact.
As Keshav Maharaj struck the winning boundary, Bavuma briefly allowed himself a moment to embrace that chaos when he came flying from the dugout, half a metre off the ground, bright trainers flashing, fists pumping, to celebrate a tight and crucial victory.
“We could have been more clinical in going about that run chase,” the captain conceded later.
Yet, within that, there were lessons for the Proteas, which Bavuma, once he’d calmed down, emphasised his side would heed. “We had luck on our side, we gave them opportunities to get into the game. But, fortunately, the gods were with us. So now it’s easier for us to have those conversations about our blueprint and how we want to go about those run chases,” he said.
Questions will persist about the Proteas’ ability to bat second. Their punishing deeds when taking first strike have delivered a World Cup record total in this tournament, but the management of a run chase clearly needs work.
“We didn’t show that control (that we needed),” said Bavuma. “I think I’ve said this probably 50 times. We’ve spoken about our brand of cricket being positive but I think, probably in situations like that, there is room for us to maybe be a bit more calculating, maybe identify where the risks are and how we can have low risk options against whatever the challenges are that we face.”
It is a fine balance that Proteas have to strike. The players want to be more aggressive, and if there is any doubt about what they must do, the instruction is to take the more attacking option.
It can look reckless, as some of the dismissals on Friday night appeared, but it is the broader plan and the belief among the players is that being timid won’t bring them success in this tournament.
I think I’ve said this probably 50 times. We’ve spoken about our brand of cricket being positive but I think, probably in situations like that, there is room for us to maybe be a bit more calculating, maybe identify where the risks are and how we can have low risk options against whatever the challenges are that we face
— Temba Bavuma
In fact, Bavuma went further, saying the way South Africa approached the chase shouldn’t diminish their belief about the way they want to play. “From a belief point of view, I think it will go a long way in terms of how far we believe that we can go in the tournament,” he said.
South Africa could be overtaken at the top of the points table if India beat England today, but the Proteas’ destiny remains very much in their own hands. One win from their last three matches should be enough to secure that semifinal spot, although nothing can be taken for granted — as they learned when facing the Netherlands two weeks ago.
New Zealand have dominated World Cup matches between the two countries, winning six of the eight encounters, with South Africa’s last win coming in 1999.
Although irritated at his dismissal on Friday, Bavuma would have been pleased with how he started his innings against Pakistan, after sitting out the previous two matches with gastric illness. He needs more time in the middle, but the intent he showed was better than his previous innings in the tournament. His shot-making was pure, including one of the better ones in the match, a lofted cover drive for four off Mohammad Nawaz.
“We haven’t played our best game or cricket yet. I think that’s a good sign, really, for a team that finds itself close to the top of the log,” the skipper said.
