“It was a great team performance, everyone chipped in really well,” said Proteas fast bowler, Anrich Nortje, after South Africa won the second T20 against the West Indies in Grenada. 

Nortje conceded that South Africa could have scored a few more runs towards the end of the innings, but the bowling attack stepped up in this game. “Once we got wickets, that gave us momentum. Well done to the bowlers, George and Shammo really bowled well,” said Nortje. 

Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, and Lungi Ngidi form the core of South Africa’s bowling in the Test arena as well. Having been instrumental to South Africa’s Test series win, Nortje said the seamers did not have a lot of time to prepare for their T20 skills. “We haven’t had a lot of time to do our skills, so that’s something that’s really important. To nail yorkers, bowl slower balls – that’s not something you train for with the red ball.” 

Nortje enjoys bowling alongside Rabada and Ngidi. “Couple of years ago, I was looking at the guys, now I’m playing with them. I enjoy every challenge, every moment, different conditions – it is nice. All of us like the challenge and we embrace it, so it’s really nice working with them.” 

A key part of the Delhi Capitals outfit in the Indian Premier League, Nortje has seen West Indian batsmen from close quarters. “Most of the batters are gun batters, they like to go hard.” He aims to adapt and strives to be one step ahead every time Nortje plays against them. “Most of the time, they’re going to go really hard like we saw in the first game as well. It’s nice to be in those situations. Once you get out of it on top, it gives you a lot of confidence going forward.” 

With three games to go in the T20 series, Nortje is confident that South Africa possess the firepower to be able to win against the West Indies. “I do think we’ve got what it takes,” concluded Nortje. 

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