India Showed Proteas Exactly How To Play On Sporting Wicket: Dale Steyn
Former South Africa: Former South Africa bowler Dale Steyn broke down Indias clinical outing against the Proteas and analysed the two sides performances in depth, stating that the hosts showed the visitors how to play on a sporting wicket. The Men in Blue signalled serious intent ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup with a commanding performance in the opening T20I of the five-match series against the Proteas. South Africa, playing in conditions that typically favour their strengths, faltered early with the bat, something Steyn found both surprising and disappointing. The Proteas, chasing a target of 176, crumbled for just 74, their lowest-ever total in the format, and lost the game by a massive 101-run margin. Its a tough one. Not tough to decipher how they batted, but certainly a tough pill to swallow because these are conditions youd expect South Africa to be familiar with. At home, theres always a bit of nip and seam, and we actually saw that when they bowled. So youd think the message to the batters would've been: get through the first nine or ten overs, assess, and then go deep, similar to how Hardik played. But it looked like there was a bit of franticness without any real aggression, Steyn said on JioStar. He added that Indias new-ball brilliance set the tone, If India wanted to win, they had to make the new ball talk, and they did. Yes, there were one or two unlucky dismissals, inside edges carrying to the keeper, but that still comes from good bowling in the right areas, trying to drive on the up. Drawing parallels with Englands recent struggles in Australia, Steyn highlighted the dangers of misplaced ultra-aggression, pointing to South Africas inexperience in key situations. And then you see little signs of inexperience, like Brevis taking on Bumrah at the back end. The game was gone, but you still have to pick your battles. Hes the best white-ball bowler in the world. If de Villiers and others couldnt consistently pull that off, youre not going to do it, young man. Wait for your moment, he said. Steyn also weighed in on Suryakumar Yadavs leadership, praising the captains composure and clarity. When you have the backing of your team and feel comfortable in your environment, you can have open conversations with your players. Youre not threatened by your spot or by the captaincy. You put the team first and say, Whats best for the individual? Whats best for the team? Thats the kind of captain everyone wants, someone whos secure, welcoming, and willing to adjust for the greater good, he said of the Indian skipper. Steyn also weighed in on Suryakumar Yadavs leadership, praising the captains composure and clarity. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The former pacer concluded with firm praise for India, stating, Theres a lot to unpack from this game, but credit to India, they played a perfect match. Hardik Pandya batted beautifully, and then they bowled superbly. They showed South Africa exactly how to play on a sporting wicket. Article Source: IANS
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