“118 was definitely not a par score,” conceded Proteas skipper, Temba Bavuma, as Australia defeated South Africa in their opening encounter of the T20 World Cup in Abu Dhabi by five wickets. 

Restricted to 118 after a dominant Australian bowling performance picked three top-order South African wickets in the powerplay, the Proteas bowlers were, once again, left to make a competitive game out of it. “150-160 would have been competitive,” said Bavuma. 

Bavuma attributed the defeat to poor execution from the top order, as opposed to the balance of the team. “If you’re selecting six batters with an all-rounder at 7, and you score 118, you can’t blame the plan.” 

In the break between the two innings, Bavuma said, “Obviously quite tough coming into the second half knowing you’ve only posted 118.” The message to the bowlers was to stick to plans, “build pressure, let them make mistakes.” 

One of the shining lights in this South African team has been ace spinner, Tabraiz Shamsi’s consistent performances. “Shamsi has been a massive performer for us in the last while. It’s not by accident that he is the number one T20 bowler,” said Bavuma. He continued, “He’s an attacking option for us, a good foil with Keshav. We’ll be leaning on Shamsi’s performances, and he’ll go from strength to strength.” 

With the inclusion of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh into South Africa’s group, Bavuma is cognizant of the challenges the two teams present, but for now, the team will look to improve its batting against the West Indies.