The Proteas outclassed their hosts, Namibia, in the historic first ODI encounter between the southern African countries.
The visitors amassed 348/6 before rain intervened heavily during Namibia’s innings. The mountain became too steep for the hosts when the players returned to the field, with Namibia managing just 162/8 as the Proteas cruised to a 99-run DLS victory.
Here, we pick five major flashpoints from the encounter:
Jordan Hermann gives Shukri Conrad 150 reasons to pick him
Proteas coach Shukri Conrad spoke recently about the logjam at the top of the ODI order and that he will be giving everyone ‘a fair crack’ to stake their claim ahead of next year’s World Cup. The Warriors left-hander has placed himself at the heart of the conversation after his superb 150 off 126 balls (17x4, 3x6) on ODI debut. Hermann also joined his Proteas teammate Matthew Breetzke as the only batters to score 150 in their first One-Day International.
Some joy for Tony de Zorzi
The T20I series saw the dreadlocked WP Cobras left-hander endure some lean pickings as he watched the younger members of the batting line-up feast on the Zimbabwe and Namibia offerings. But Conrad knows what he has in De Zorzi, particularly in the longer white-ball format, and the stylish left-hander repaid the faith with a polished 72 off 84 balls. He now averages 44.8 in ODIs over the last 12 months.
Dewald Brevis is going to need much more
There was plenty of consternation after Brevis was left out of the Proteas’ ODI squad for the upcoming series against Australia. But, truth be told, the 21-year-old will need to show that he can switch gears and score centuries, and not just deliver cameos — like he did again on Wednesday with another 33 off 28 balls.
Confidence booster for Kwena Maphaka
The young left-arm fast bowler was not at his best in the T20s — but that can happen in the frenetic shortest format. In ODIs, Maphaka has more time to settle and build up his lines and lengths, and it showed with a much-improved performance. The 20-year-old bowled quickly and was rewarded with a couple of wickets to finish with 2/32.
Prenelan Subrayen’s career-best four-wicket haul
The Proteas have a plethora of left-arm spin options but are fairly thin on the ground in terms of off-spinners. It was therefore worrisome last season when Subrayen’s action came under scrutiny. But after intensive rehabilitation, he has passed the ICC tests, seems a much more confident bowler now, and will take plenty from his 4/29 going forward. | IOL Sport