Proteas make a statement with T20 World Cup win against India

Former captain Faf du Plessis believes the Proteas have made a “statement” and are now “the team to beat” after a famous victory over India in the ICC T20 World Cup Super Eights in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

The Proteas crushed the defending champions by 76 runs — India’s second-largest T20I defeat ever — to silence a crowd of more than 80 000 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Veteran David Miller struck a superb 63 and was well supported by youngsters Dewald Brevis (45) and Tristan Stubbs (44 not out) to help the Proteas recover from 20/3 to eventually post a formidable 187/7.

The bowlers then delivered a superb performance, led by Marco Jansen’s 4/22 and Keshav Maharaj’s 3/24, to skittle India for just 111. It was sweet revenge for the Proteas after they lost to India in the T20 World Cup final two years ago in Barbados, having since been ridiculed by host broadcaster Star Sports in the build-up to this Super 8 clash.

“It is a statement,” Du Plessis said on Cricinfo after the victory. “This is the team to beat.”

Du Plessis, who was at the helm when the Proteas lost to India in the 2014 T20 World Cup semi-final, lauded the bowling effort and the planning by the coaching staff, headed by Shukri Conrad. While Jansen and Maharaj claimed the plaudits in the wicket column, it was a superb all-round display, with Corbin Bosch also bagging 2/12 from his three overs.

The unsung hero was Lungi Ngidi; the big seamer utilised his slower balls to great effect, conceding only 15 runs in his four overs.

“Spotless bowling performance,” Du Plessis said. 

“You could see the planning that went into that. The way they bowled to certain batters — there was a lot of thinking behind the scenes. Look at the way they bowled to Suryakumar Yadav: pace off the ball, making him try to hit the ball.

“I thought pace was off more than I am used to seeing. When you think of a venue like Ahmedabad, you don't think pace off. Tactically, I thought they were very good (last night).”

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