ICC World Cup 2019 | It has been frustrating, but the last two games we have turned up, remarks Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis has admitted that his team has not performed according to expectations for the large part but they have risen to the occasion in the previous two matches and ended the World Cup on a good note. He also talked about his own performance and offered his views on the semifinals.
South Africa ended a dismal World Cup on a positive note as they beat reigning world champions Australia by 10 runs. The win meant they finished the league stage in the seventh spot with seven points, having recorded three victories and five losses. However, they have performed brilliantly in the last two matches, especially with the bat, which ought to have made the team feel that they could have done much better. Their score against Australia of 325 was only their second 300-plus score in the tournament and their first in a winning cause.
“It's frustrating, but the last two games we have turned up. It's important for the guys to bat through and get hundreds When you give your bowlers a chance, it's always good. It's different when you put runs on the board. We weren't getting those big scores,” Faf du Plessis said in the post match press conference, reported TOI.
The skipper himself led from the front and batted his way to a brilliant 100 off 94 balls laced with seven fours and a couple of sixes. This was his fifth century against the Kangaroos, the most he has against an opposition. He was ably supported by Rassie van der Dussen who registered a score of 95 as the two emerged as the X-factor for the team, something they have been lacking throughout the tournament.
“Someone like Starc has been chipping five-fors regularly. We have played inconsistent cricket. You need guys to lift the team and win the games on their own. We weren't at our best. I have tried to figure out why I bat nicely against them, it's about reflecting it just a night before. like playing against them,” Du Plessis said.Â
The win meant Australia failed to claim top spot after India’s victory earlier in the day. Thus, they will be facing hosts England in the semifinals, who have won their last two games in some fashion. Meanwhile, India will be going up against the Black Caps who have lost their last three games on the trot.
“I think India would be really happy that we won today New Zealand's form has dipped in the last three games, so I would probably say an India-England final. I think India and Australia have played the big games really well, so I would back one of them at the biggest stage of all,” the Proteas captain concluded.