Bjorn Fortuin demands tidier performance as Proteas face Namibia in Tri-series

International Cricket

Proteas captain Bjorn Fortuin led from the front with career-best figures of 4/24 against Zimbabwe and wants another strong display against Namibia.  |  Backpagepix
Proteas captain Bjorn Fortuin led from the front with career-best figures of 4/24 against Zimbabwe and wants another strong display against Namibia. | BackpagepixPicture: Backpagepix

Captain Bjorn Fortuin is hoping for the Proteas to take confidence into the "business end of the series" with another improved showing against Namibia in their final group match at 2pm on Friday.

The Proteas fell short against hosts Namibia in their opening game, but have since responded with consecutive victories over Zimbabwe to virtually assure themselves of a place in Sunday’s T20 Tri-series final.

Tuesday’s 43-run victory over their northern neighbours was certainly comprehensive, but Fortuin feels there are still areas for improvement, particularly in the field, where the Proteas dropped some regulation catches that allowed Zimbabwe some free runs towards the latter part of the innings.

Fortuin said: "Happy with the performance.

LEKKER SUPPORT: Duan Jansen
LEKKER SUPPORT: Duan JansenPicture: @ProteasMenCSA on X

"Obviously, with the standards we set for ourselves, there are some areas we would like to tidy up. We were a bit loose with the ball at the end and with the bat we wanted more, but I’ve learned not to take any wins for granted."

Barring the fielding, there certainly were plenty of positives against Zimbabwe. Young batters Lhuan-dre Pretorius (94) and Dewald Brevis (41) set up the Proteas’ innings before the bowlers were particularly effective during the first half of the chase.

Fortuin, in particular, led from the front with career-best T20 figures of 4/24, while rookie seamer Duan Jansen claimed 3/21.

Fortuin added: "Good to see bowlers standing up at different points. Fairly happy with some wickets. We never really strive for individual performances – we are looking for wins, but to contribute like that was quite cool.

"Obviously, we want to go into the business end of the series with some confidence and getting a good performance against Namibia will do that."

Fortuin revealed there were "a couple of harsh words" shared in the dressing room after the initial defeat to Namibia.

He said: "There were a couple of harsh words and a couple of straight conversations that happened and hopefully those could stay going into the last couple of games."