Africa-Press – South-Africa. After conceding 258 in their 20 overs, the Proteas of 2023 heard a throwback to a 2006 chirp and were “quietly confident” of launching Sunday’s sensational world record T20 chase against the West Indies here in Centurion.
It would’ve been perfectly understandable for outsiders to have speculated on the home side’s state of mind after walking off the field having bled all in a must-win game to tie the three-match series.
It probably explains why Kagiso Rabada made sure he covered his bases in terms of morale.
Seventeen years back, Jacques Kallis’s quip that the bowlers had done their jobs and that the Aussies were “10-15 runs short” in the famous ‘438’ match at the Wanderers had notably calmed down a chastened unit following their mauling with the ball.
“Funnily enough, KG said they’re 10 runs short when we went off the field, which probably is similar to what Jacques did for the team,” said Reeza Hendricks, who gained many plaudits for a sublime 28-ball 68 that perfectly complemented a dynamic Quinton de Kock’s maiden hundred in T20 internationals.
“We managed to get over the line and play this incredible game.”
But it comes across as debatable whether much attention was given to his pity brand of motivation.
“The chat was quite simple,” said Hendricks.
“Everybody was quietly confident that this was a good wicket. We never doubted ourselves at any stage. We believed we had the batting order to chase the score down.”
As bullish as that sounds, it still required his and De Kock’s opening stand of 150 in 10.5 overs – which featured a T20I world record powerplay of 102 runs – to truly put the Proteas in the frame.
Hendricks admits those six overs were still a bit of a blur.
“Yeah, I don’t think it’s sunk in yet. To be part of that partnership was unbelievable. It was special. We’ll probably reflect on what we’ve done when the dust has settled,” he said with a smile.
“We absolutely targeted getting as much runs in that period as we could. The benefit was that the runs were on the board and we saw how the Windies got there. So, in many senses it was just about going with the flow and capitalising whichever way we could.
“We didn’t have total in mind. But to score that number of runs was a bonus. [Quinton’s innings was crucial]. That’s the Quinny I know. It doesn’t come off all the time, but it did when the team needed it the most.
“That’s how he plays. The wicket allowed for his stroke-play and it was a special innings to witness.”
Not that it meant deliveries were unduly slogged.
In fact, prudent, skillful batting was a hallmark of both teams’ respective batting efforts.
“Yeah, T20 definitely allows for normal shots. You can still bat [with good technique] and don’t have to swing from the hip. There were the odd big shots, but overall it was just normal shots being played.
“There’s value for runs on this ground.”
That was clear for all to see.
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