Excites us to have Rabada and Nortje in such conditions: Bavuma

Unlike the first encounter that South Africa played in Abu Dhabi, the conditions on Tuesday, aided their pace unit, with Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje blowing Bangladesh’s top order to smithereens. The duo accounted for six out of Bangladesh’s ten wickets on the afternoon, conceding just 28 runs. 

In the post-match presentation, Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma appreciated the efforts of the pace duo, stating that it was the perfect conditions for them. Bavuma also pointed out that Nortje’s ability to bowl above 150 kmph has certainly come in handy for the Proteas.

“Ya, it was a good day for us. Obviously, the conditions were good for the pacers. Good effort with the ball, then clinical with the bat I would say. Excites us to have KG and Nortje bowling in such conditions, reminds us of playing at home. Blessed to have both of them in our side. One guy is touching 150, the other guy has all the skills and bowls high-speeds too,” Bavuma stated in the post-match presentation.

Bavuma also added that the plan was for the batters to get the total quickly, owing to the net run-rate. However, he insisted that the conditions did not allow them to get the total faster than they eventually got. He also hoped for the side to turn their fortunes against England in the next encounter. 

“We wanted to get the score in a good time. It was tricky because it was still nipping around when I went in. Big game. England... we need to play our best cricket. They have had the better of us of late. We would like to make amends.”

Losing skipper Mahmudullah, on the other hand, revealed that it was poor batting display from the Asian side in the first innings, adding that they didn’t apply themselves. He also cited that Taskin Ahmed’s form had tilted his selection over Mustafizur Rahman. 

“I think the wicket was pretty good to bowl first up. We didn't apply ourselves, poor batting display from us. Taskin has been bowling really well. That's why thought of one between Taskin and Fizzy. We went ahead with Taskin because he has been bowling well. Obviously frustrated, but we were close to winning two games. Could have been a different story had we won those games," the Bangladesh skipper said.