Coach Rob Walter of South Africa acknowledged the team’s effort but criticized execution after their semi-final loss to New Zealand in the Champions Trophy. New Zealand posted a record total of 362-6, leading to South Africa’s defeat by 50 runs despite David Miller’s late efforts. Walter highlighted critical partnerships and poor middle-order performance as decisive factors in their defeat.
In the recent Champions Trophy semi-final, South African head coach Rob Walter refrained from criticizing his team’s effort despite a 50-run defeat to New Zealand. The match, held in Lahore, saw New Zealand set a record score of 362-6, surpassing all previous tournament benchmarks, while South Africa could only manage 312-9 within their allotted overs.
Walter highlighted the significant 164-run partnership between New Zealand’s centurions, Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson, as a turning point. He stated that despite their attempts, they failed to break that partnership, which crucially enabled New Zealand to accelerate towards the end of their innings.
Ravindra and Williamson scored 108 and 102 runs, respectively, while Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips contributed substantially in the final overs, leading New Zealand to a formidable total. Walter acknowledged the challenges faced by South African bowlers, noting that the pitch conditions made it difficult to contain runs effectively.
He emphasized, “We certainly tried to change the pace, but I think the ball wasn’t really gripping at that stage… it was a pretty good batting wicket.”
In response, South Africa struggled to maintain their momentum after a promising start, losing crucial wickets, including Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen. Walter admitted that losing these key players severely impacted their chances and contributed to a collapse from 125-1 to 189-5.
Walter commended the performance of New Zealand’s spinners, who collectively took seven wickets. He pointed out the quality of Mitchell Santner’s bowling and noted that the ball spun more effectively in the second innings compared to the first.
New Zealand will proceed to the final where they will challenge India.
Coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment over execution in key moments as South Africa succumbed to New Zealand in the Champions Trophy semi-final. The failure to contain a significant partnership and losing critical wickets hampered their chase of New Zealand’s record total. Walter praised the performance of New Zealand’s bowling attack, and South Africa will need to reassess their strategy ahead of future tournaments.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
