South Africa defeated New Zealand by six wickets (in the fifth ODI) to clinch the bilateral ODI series and captain AB de Villiers has said his side is high on confidence and is ready for the forthcoming Champions Trophy in England.
As per the schedule, the Proteas will play an ODI series against England (in May) before the Mini World Cup, that begins June 1.
Happen to remember the loss South Africa suffered at the hands of Kiwis in 2015 World Cup, de Villiers said the win doesn’t compensate for that beating and it can’t be overturned now. However, he shifted the focus back on the win saying everyone enjoyed and it’s a good feeling indeed.
“There’s a bit of emotion in us winning the series, especially chasing under pressure. We’ll enjoy the victory. It doesn’t make it right after we lost the semi-final. That will never change. But as we sit here now, we’ve just won a game against New Zealand in a final at Eden Park so it’s a great feeling. We’ve come a long way since that semi-final.”
De Villiers, who before the series said his side has some unfinished business with New Zealand, managed to see his side home for the seventh consecutive time since July 2015. Keeping in mind the Champions Trophy, the captain said the series win will boost his side and he feels they are right up there to battle out for glory, their maiden one though.
He then added he isn’t going to call out and loud that they will win the mega event but rather would keep their feet down and play good brand of cricket.
“I felt ready [for the Champions Trophy] before this tour but this was a really good test for us. I truly believe we are ready. It will be silly for me to say yes we are going to win it even though I believe that in my heart, but no one is going to make silly statements like that. We are going there to win and I think we are ready, so if all things go well I think we will be there at the end of the tournament.”