5 things the Proteas need to get right in the second ODI | South Africa vs Afghanistan
Following their crushing loss to Afghanistan in the first One-Day International (ODI) in Sharjah on Wednesday, the Proteas will be desperately wanting to hit back as soon as possible.
South Africa take on Afghanistan in the second ODI at the same venue in the UAE on Friday, hoping to restore their pride after their six-wicket defeat two days prior.
It was a performance to forget for the Proteas, as they were bundled out for 107 in the first match.
Here are five things the Proteas need to get right to level the series.
Proteas stand-in ODI skipper Aiden Markram, after their loss to Afghanistan, spoke about how the team was intent on giving new faces in the squad the chance to experience international level cricket.
— IOL Sport (@IOLsport) September 19, 2024
📽️: Cricket South Africa pic.twitter.com/8j8eBfRr45
Get stuck in
It goes without saying, but you’re not going to win many matches after being reduced to 35/7.
It almost went unnoticed, but openers Reeza Hendricks and Tony de Zorzi made a decent start to reach 17/0 after 2.5 overs. It took a loose shot from Hendricks which started the collapse, and he would not be the last SA batsman to give away his wicket. More discipline will be needed throughout the batting order.
Experienced batsmen need to step up
Here’s looking at you Aiden Markram and Hendricks. The two players have 104 ODI appearances between them, and considering the rest of the top seven in the Proteas lineup on Wednesday had 38 caps combined - it’s vital the pair lead the way.
Temba Bavuma needs to set the example
Bavuma was ruled out in the first ODI due to illness. Provided he is fit to play, he needs to ensure he settles a Proteas dressing room that seemed like a deer in the headlights on Wednesday.
He will also have to stick around as long as possible in the middle to help his side post a decent total or keep his side in the chase.
Get the toss right
Nothing can be done if SA lose the toss, but if they do win it - they probably shouldn’t bat first. If the pitch is at all similar to the one used in the first match, setting a score just isn’t a good option.
Give the bowlers something to defend
If South Africa do have to bat first, making just over 100 will likely see them lose the three-match series with a game to spare.
It ties in with the batsmen getting stuck in, but making a score that the bowlers actually have a chance of defending is imperative. Much has been made of Lungi Ngidi leading the Proteas attack in the absence of Kagiso Rabada. Ngidi though, must be given some runs to play with if he can have a chance of producing something special.