“Definitely need to step it up in the field, definitely need to step it up in all departments,” said Proteas bowler, Anrich Nortje, in his reflection of the first ODI between South Africa and Pakistan at SuperSport Park in Centurion. 

Offering his assessment of the wicket, Nortje said, “It was a little bit on the slower side than usual at Centurion, but there was bounce.” The new ball, in particular, “was difficult to face” for both teams. Nortje attributed a part of the loss to the bowling in the middle overs, where the Proteas bowlers “gave them (Babar Azam and Imam ul-Haq) too many quick runs.” 

From the South African batting perspective, Nortje was pleased to see the middle order stabilize the innings after a top order collapse. “They assessed the wicket quite well as well. First innings batting at Centurion isn’t always easy. The par score was 220-230. We really did well to get to where we go to,” explained Nortje. 

Nortje was full of praise for Proteas batsman, Rassie van der Dussen’s first ODI hundred. “He had to absorb quite a lot of pressure at the start,” said Nortje. “It was so nice to see his old ways. I’ve been on the receiving end with those sweeps to fast bowlers. He gave us something to try and defend,” continued Nortje. 

Given South Africa were playing ODI cricket after over a year, Nortje believed any rustiness the team might have had was mental, as opposed to physical, because most players in the team had played domestic cricket in the lead up to this series. After the intensity of the first game, Nortje believes, “We’ve got the rustiness out of the thinking.” 

The second ODI at the Wanderers in the Johannesburg will be a Pink Day game, where the Proteas have traditionally donned a pink jersey to raise money for breast cancer. Playing his first Pink Day game, Nortje hopes the team has more energy because they will be “playing for something greater than the game.”