South Africa’s Proteas collapsed completely in their second match at the on-going ICC Cricket World Cup in New Zealand to register one of their most shocking losses on Sunday when they played to India by 130 runs.
Captain AB de Villiers as he speaks to the media after the 130 run loss to India.
Image: www.espncricinfo.com
The disaster started when One Day International captain AB Devilliers lost the toss to Indian captain and they were sent into the blazing sun to go and field. Indian batsman enjoyed the best of the slow wicket and punished the South Africans with several boundaries. The most outstanding was Shikhar Dhawan whose brilliant 137 runs helped India to an easy 307-7. His attack comprised eighteen boundaries, sixteen fours and two sixes and this made him the hero of the Indian supporters with the match officials in agreement as they also awarded him the man of the match title at the end of the match. Dhawan made two great partnerships in the course of the match; one with Virat Kohli who made 46 off their 127 run relationship and another 125 run partnership with Ajinkya Rahane adding 79 runs.
Speaking at the end of the match, Devilliers said that the loss to India was almost embarrassing and the Proteas would need time to lick their wounds before their next encounter which will be against the West Indies. He expressed disappointment with the fact that two of the wickets had gone due to run outs at that stage of the tournament. The one was his after he had managed a tally of 30 runs when he and Faf de Plessis had compiled a steady 68 run partnership. The other run out was the one for middle order batsman, David a Miller who was run out for 22. From then, everything went dark for the Proteas as the last seven wickets went for only 44 runs as the middle and lower order batsman withered immensely and collapsed under the disciplined bowling and fielding of the Indian cricketers.
To make matters worse, the Proteas were fined for a slow over rate. Captain AB de Villiers was fined 20% of his match fee while his team was fined 10%. Since this is AB’s second offence, if it happens again, he will be suspended for one match. According to match referee, South Africa fell one over short in the stipulated time.
