South Africa WINS 2-Match Test Series Against New Zealand
PRETORIA – The #ProteaFire was blazing today in Centurion as South Africa’s national cricket team won the second Test match against New Zealand by 204 runs… and in the process clinched the two-match series by a 1-0 margin. Well known South African columnist and author Max du Preez welcomed the win as the “first good news this […]
PRETORIA – The #ProteaFire was blazing today in Centurion as South Africa’s national cricket team won the second Test match against New Zealand by 204 runs… and in the process clinched the two-match series by a 1-0 margin.
Well known South African columnist and author Max du Preez welcomed the win as the “first good news this week: Proteas beat NZ (properly) & move up 2 places in world ranking #proteas.”
Cricket South Africa (CSA) Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat called it “a top class performance”.
He congratulated coach (and birthday boy) Russell Domingo, stand-in captain Faf du Plessis and all the players and management staff for their “wonderful team effort in the absence of regular skipper, AB de Villiers.
“With Faf leading from the front, the way the top order performed under batting conditions that were testing throughout the match spoke volumes of their temperament and will to get back to winning ways.
“There is no need to say more about the world class quality of Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander. Back after long-term injuries, their value to our Test team and how sorely we missed them last season is beyond doubt.”
Steyn was on top form – taking his 26th five-wicket haul to help bowl the Proteas to their victory… leading New Zealand cricketer Jimmy Neesham to tweet: “Every time Dale Steyn’s career record comes on screen I suddenly remember I’m watching a historical great of the game. Unbelievable.”
Quinton de Kock was named Man of the Match “for standing up to the demands of an opening batsman at the 11th hour and then producing such superb batting displays. He also took six catches in the match, some of which were quite outstanding.”
Lorgat said: “There is still more work ahead for our Test team as we look ahead to the three Test series in Australia, including a Day/Night Test in Adelaide. Our aim is to move back to the top of the ICC rankings table.”
Just yesterday former Australian Test cricketer Shane Warne sang the praises of Kagiso Rabada in a tweet, saying: “Rabada from South Africa is a quality bowler, he will enjoy bowling in Australia this summer & make the Aussie boys jump around!”
Partly sourced: cricket.co.za/
Test match five-for No 26. Take a bow @DaleSteyn62 #ProteaFire #SAvNZ #meanmugging pic.twitter.com/srGljj7ZtV
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) August 30, 2016