South Africa have been brought “back to earth” by their defeat to Pakistan at the T20 World Cup but will use it as a wake- up call ahead of their must- palm match against the Netherlands, captain Temba Bavuma said.
The Proteas could have sealed asemi-final situation with a palm at the Sydney Cricket Ground but rather drooped to a 33- run loss in the rain- docked Super 12 match.
Second in Group 2 and a point behind India, Bavuma’s side now needs to beat the smoothly regarded Netherlands in Adelaide on Sunday to be sure to advance.
Bavuma said “the bus came off” for South Africa as Pakistan went on to post 185 for nine after being reduced to 43 for four beforehand on.
“A platoon like Pakistan, as you know, is veritably dangerous when you give them any type of instigation,” he said.
I do not suppose it’s a big concern. Yes, there are talking points for us, areas that we can learn from.
“Perhaps it’s a performance that we demanded to. perhaps bring us down back to earth.”
Bavuma lamented his platoon’s poor fielding and declined to condemn the rainfall as a slew of catches went to lawn in the mizzly final overs of the first innings.
“Up until this game, our fielding has been veritably good. We contended at night,” he said.
“We contended during the day. We contended in wet conditions.
“Perhaps the intensity lowered a bit for the guys. Collectively, the guys know but it’s surely not the standard of contending that we flatter ourselves on.”
The loss of educated middle order batsman David Miller to back spasms didn’t help South Africa’s cause after rain and the Duckworth-Lewis system left them an questionable palm target.
Bavuma said Miller’s benching was preventative, however, and anticipated him to return for the Netherlands.
