“Good opportunity to fight and come back strong,” said Proteas opening batsman, Jaaneman Malan, after losing the first of three T20s against Pakistan by three runs.
To win the next two games, Malan believes the team needs to develop more effective game plans. “We should just come back with better game plans,” said Malan. Reflecting on “what worked and didn’t work” is vitally important.
Explaining the conditions on offer in the first T20, Malan described it as “quite interesting weather.” The “fog came in late,” and the ball and outfield were wet. However, the wicket did not skid as expected. Holding on to two important catches in the middle overs of the second innings won Pakistan the game.
With the Proteas’ struggles against spin being a central point of discussion, Malan indicated that the ball did not skid when the spinners came on to bowl, and thought it was important to “capitalize against the seam.”
“They adapted their game plan a bit in the middle overs to make it a bit more difficult for us,” Malan explained. To counter the spin threat, Malan is keen on “committing harder, having clear plans.”
Despite the challenges of the Proteas batsmen throughout the tour of Pakistan, Malan believes, “we’re not that far from clicking.” Malan said it was important for batsmen to trust their games and backing their strengths to succeed this series.
Praising Heinrich Klaasen’s captaincy, Malan said, “He has a calm head. He talks to the point, has clear plans.”
Photo: EPA/Rahat Dar
