Coach Rob Walter acknowledged execution issues but praised player effort in South Africa’s 50-run loss to New Zealand in the Champions Trophy semi-final. New Zealand’s 362-6 was the tournament’s highest score, while South Africa responded with 312-9. Key partnerships and effective bowling from New Zealand ultimately decided the match, leading to South Africa’s elimination.
Head coach Rob Walter of the South African cricket team expressed disappointment over his team’s execution during their 50-run defeat to New Zealand in the Champions Trophy semi-final. Despite the loss, Walter insisted that the players’ effort was unwavering, stating, “certainly you’ll never question the effort of the guys.” South Africa fell victim to New Zealand’s formidable score of 362-6, marking the tournament’s highest score, while South Africa could only manage 312-9 in response.
Walter highlighted the importance of the 164-run partnership between Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson, which significantly contributed to New Zealand’s success. He appreciated his team’s attempts to disrupt this key partnership but acknowledged their inability to break it, which allowed New Zealand to finish strongly. Ravindra scored 108 and Williamson contributed 102, supported by Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips, who helped propel their total in the final overs.
The coach indicated that the conditions played a role in the match results, stating, “the ball wasn’t really gripping at that stage in the early phases,” which hindered the bowlers’ effectiveness. He noted the pitch’s quality by pointing out that achieving a score of 360 on it indicated favorable batting conditions.
New Zealand’s pressure increased when skipper Mitchell Santner claimed pivotal wickets within the first 30 overs, taking out Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, and Heinrich Klaasen. Although David Miller scored a rapid 100 off 67 balls, it was not enough to alter the game’s outcome. Walter recognized that frequent loss of wickets hurt South Africa’s chances, specifically referencing a downturn from a strong position of 125-1 to 189-5.
In closing, Walter praised New Zealand’s spin attack, reflecting on their consistent performance throughout the tournament, particularly noting Mitchell Santner’s effectiveness, stating, “the ball did spin a bit more in the second innings, no doubt about that.” New Zealand will advance to the final against India in Dubai on Sunday.
In conclusion, South Africa’s head coach Rob Walter emphasized that while execution was lacking in their semi-final match against New Zealand, the team’s effort remained commendable. Despite a strong middle-order and a rapid century from David Miller, key wickets and the inability to break critical partnerships proved detrimental. New Zealand’s spinners also played a pivotal role, ultimately leading South Africa to another exit at the knock-out stage of a major tournament.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com