Pakistan’s 19-run win over South Africa was a major upset that also blew Group B wide open. As of now, any of the sides can make the semi-finals, meaning every remaining group game is a high-stakes one for the sides involved.
Whilst many are calling the win an upset due to the gulf in class between the two sides, coach Russell Domingo disagreed with that assessment. “Pakistan, I mean, they are a proud cricketing nation. I know when they have a bad game, everybody jumps on their back and says how bad they are.
I can tell you now, in our position, I don’t think they are bad at all. They are a dangerous side. They have some world-class players. They are always going to be a threat.”
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Given how effective Pakistan’s spinners were, there were questions raised about whether it was a concern how South Africa’s batsmen fared against them. Russell was quick to state that it was “not a concern. (Because) generally our sides play spin really well”.
He did, however, have one small criticism for his batsmen.
{{/usCountry}}He did, however, have one small criticism for his batsmen.
{{/usCountry}}“I think the disappointing factor is that, not one of our top four, I suppose got through the new ball to look after the spinners. So every time there was a new batter coming in facing the spin, that’s always going to be tough to do against quality spinners”.
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That being said, he certainly didn’t think the loss had anything to do with his side taking Pakistan lightly after their heavy loss against India. “No complacency on our side. We played a game of cricket; Pakistan played better than us. That’s nothing to do with complacency today as far as I’m concerned”.