ICC World Cup 2019: Today Didn’t Go According To Plan, Says Faf du Plessis

Jun 3, 2019 at 10:51 AM

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ICC World Cup 2019: Today Didn’t Go According To Plan, Says Faf du Plessis

South Africa suffered their second loss in as many games. They lost to Bangladesh comprehensively on Sunday. The Bangladesh players started out on a positive note and the middle order continued the trend.

Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim played patiently and responsibly. Both players managed to score fifties. In the process, they forged a record 142 run partnership. Crucial knocks from lower middle order helped Bangladesh reach 330 in their full quota of overs.

Image Credits: ESPN Cricinfo

Chasing 331, South Africa started off slowly. But they kept on losing wickets at regular intervals. Almost, all their batters got off to a good start, but they failed to convert their starts to a big hundred. Bangladesh eventually won the game comfortably at the end with 21 runs.

Speaking after the game, captain Faf du Plessis revealed that the game did not go the way they liked. The injury of Lungi Ngidi did hurt the team during their bowling. But du Plessis believes 330 is still too many runs despite his injury.

“Obviously today didn’t go according to plan. Lungi (Ngidi) getting injured wasn’t ideal at the start of the campaign. 330 was over par, and every one chipped in with the bat, but all in all it wasn’t ideal from us.”

du Plessis once again won the toss and asked opposition to bat first. The Proteas skipper was quick to defend his decision.

“The thinking at the toss, after speaking to the groundsman, was that there would be a lot of pace and bounce. Against a subcontinental side, if they do get runs on the board, they can squeeze you. But in hindsight, we would have changed that. To go for that many runs, even without Lungi, wasn’t ideal.”

Image Credits: England Cricket

The major difference between the sides was noted at the fag end. Bangladesh accelerated their run scoring in the final five overs. On the other hand, South Africa failed to score and succumbed to the pressure of run chase.

Skipper Provides Injury Updates

Lungi Ngidi was forced off the field after bowling only 4 overs.  Faf du Plessis confirmed that the player suffered a hamstring injury. However, he revealed that he is unaware of the extent of recovery period.

On the other hand, du Plessis said that Steyn is close to his fitness. This should be a massive boost for the fans ahead of India clash.

“Lungi has a hamstring injury, so I’m not sure how serious it is because usually hammies are a few days or a week off. Dale is bowling in the middle now, so hopefully there’s some good progress. It is definitely not getting easier for us.”

South Africa are facing a tough time to deal with the injuries at the moment. The Proteas have missed Hashim Amla, Dale Steyn for today’s game against Bangladesh. Lungi Ngidi joins the list and it is a worrying sign with game against India looming on Wednesday.

Moeen, WC 2019, Spin,
Hashim Amla retired hurt at Jofra Archer’s pace

After two losses in two games, South Africa are finding themselves in a tough position. With India up next, the odds are against them to make it semi finals. But the skipper promised that his side will continue to fight.

“South Africa is a very proud sporting nation. The skills weren’t there today but I promise there will be a lot of fight. We are firing at about 50-60 percent at the moment and it shows that even Bangladesh can beat that on any day,” du Plessis added.

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