Proteas’ critics choking after big quarter-final win
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 18: JP Duminy of South Africa celebrates with his team mates after taking the wicket of Tharindu Kaushal of Sri Lanka during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup match between South Africa and Sri Lanka at Sydney Cricket Ground on March 18, 2015 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 18: JP Duminy of South Africa celebrates with his team mates after taking the wicket of Tharindu Kaushal of Sri Lanka during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup match between South Africa and Sri Lanka at Sydney Cricket Ground on March 18, 2015 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
Stuart Hess
SYDNEY: The South African team will have a relaxing day here today, reflecting on a historic triumph in their World Cup quarter-final last night, but will also begin casting their minds to Tuesday’s semi-final in Auckland.
AB de Villiers’ team produced one of the most clinical performances seen from a South African side at a World Cup to overwhelm Sri Lanka in the first quarter-final by nine wickets, with 32 overs to spare.
The Proteas bowled out the 1996 world champions for 133 in just 37.2 overs, with leg-spinner Imran Tahir taking 4/26, while JP Duminy became the first South African to claim a hat-trick in a World Cup, finishing with figures of 3/29.
Opening batsman and wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock returned to form in a timely fashion, stroking an excellent 78 not out as South Africa cruised to victory.
“We like being called chokers, we’ll keep the tag, as long as we keep winning. It’s a great achievement from the team,” said the Proteas captain. His side must wait until Saturday to discover who they will face in the semi-final, when New Zealand and the West Indies clash in the last quarter-final in Wellington.
Yesterday’s victory was quietly celebrated by the South African players and despite the significance of it – being the first knockout victory at a World Cup – De Villiers was not going to get carried away.
“We didn’t have to work too hard for this victory, it was a short game. Yes, there was a lot of emotional energy, but not a lot of physical energy. There is plenty of time for recovery before the semi-finals,” explained De Villiers.
“I honestly didn’t feel that what we went through today was that strenuous. I’m just very happy we overcame today’s hurdle.
“It was a tough one, it’s never easy to play Sri Lanka, they are a tough team to beat, especially in World Cup games. I’d like us to enjoy this victory tonight.
“Every single win is an incredible achievement and a very good feeling. I’m relieved and very, very happy. In tournaments like these, you are always under pressure and you want to do the people who support you proud, and you want them to feel they are supporting the right team and for a good reason.”
The Proteas will head to Auckland on Friday morning to begin preparations for the semi-final.
It will be the fourth time South Africa have reached the last four of the World Cup. The last time was in 2007 in St Lucia, where they were blown away by Australia.