So much hard work expended into what would have been a record run-chase on one of the most difficult grounds in the world to chase a target, only for it to splutter and die at the critical stage. Hard to take for the players, and frustrating for supporters, too. But nobody should doubt the effort and commitment of the players.
Batting wise SA clearly missed a lower order power hitter which they haven't had since the days of Klusener and Pollock. I was unimpressed with the lengths they bowled at the start of the innings. It was almost as if they had made up their mind that subcontinental players can't play short balls. That approach has cost them a lot over the years. And, let's not talk about the death bowling, its well known. I think rotation of seam bowlers is necessary because Rabada hasn't been himself in ODI cricket for 2 years now.
Proteas in Sri Lanka, day 8
Batting wise SA clearly missed a lower order power hitter which they haven't had since the days of Klusener and Pollock. I was unimpressed with the lengths they bowled at the start of the innings. It was almost as if they had made up their mind that subcontinental players can't play short balls. That approach has cost them a lot over the years. And, let's not talk about the death bowling, its well known. I think rotation of seam bowlers is necessary because Rabada hasn't been himself in ODI cricket for 2 years now.