After sledgehammering Bangladesh with a score of 174, South African opener Quinton de Kock said that he was a bit nervous coming into the World Cup match on Tuesday. De Kock’s hundred and Heinrich Klaasen’s impressive 90 runs played a key role in South Africa’s 149-run win over Bangladesh. “I was a bit nervous this morning, don’t normally get nervous at all. I had a bit of fun, great to get two points. But I was a bit more tired than satisfied (after the innings),” said de Kock during the post-match presentation.
The left-handed batter praised Klaasen for his outstanding performance.
“I need some of the juice he’s having. He’s been special, for every team he’s played for. Taking the tournament by storm,” he added.
South African skipper Aiden Markram, who himself scored 60 runs, praised de Kock and Klaasen for their brilliant innings.
“What Quinny did was superb and then Klaasen walks in and smashes it. Everyone approaches it differently but it gels quite nicely. We keep striving to put in big performances,” said Markram.
Pacer Lungi Ngidi was not able to play due to a knee niggle and Markram expressed hope that he would recover in time for the match against Pakistan.
“Hopefully, he can recover well over the next couple of days and be ready for Pakistan,” he said.
Markram also mentioned that South Africa has been working on becoming a team that can chase well.
“The more you win batting first the more you lean that way. But once we get one chase under the belt, and the blueprint, then hopefully, we’ll be a good team at chasing.” Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan admitted that they lost the match in the final 10 overs when De Kock and Klaasen went on a rampage, adding 144 runs to the scoreboard.
“Quinton batted really well, and the way Klaasen finished was something we didn’t have any answer to. We should’ve bowled better. We lost the game in the last 10 overs,” said Shakib.
However, Shakib did not lose hope of his team finishing strongly in this World Cup.
“Lot to be learnt, and lot to play for. We will love to finish 5-6 if not in the semis. We’re not playing like a team that can do it, but hope to finish stronger,” he added.
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