“I think we played some good cricket throughout the series,” said Proteas Head Coach, Mark Boucher, after Pakistan chased down 165 in 18.4 overs, clinching the series 2-1. 

Reflecting on the T20 series, Boucher said the team learned key lessons from the three T20 games they have played in Pakistan.

In particular, in the second game, “we played the brand of cricket we wanted to play,” Boucher said. Additionally, while countering the spin threat, the Proteas “need to be more proactive, not reactive.” 

Boucher opined the Proteas conceded the series, despite playing well for most of the three games, because they lost key moments.

In the third game, “losing 3-4 wickets in three overs was always going to put us under pressure,” he explained. With that said, Boucher and the team management have spoken to the team about it, and will work to ensure “they don’t make the same mistakes again.” 

With death bowling touted as a concern for the Proteas, Boucher said the bowlers had been working hard at training to make sure they are prepared to bowl well at the death of an innings. “We’ve been bowling a lot of yorkers at training,” said Boucher.

The management is looking at equipping more bowlers with death bowling skills, in addition to Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje, who have proven their death bowling mettle in the IPL.