Proteas fast bowler Lungi Ngidi has praised the efforts of Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs for helping South Africa to victory in the first One-Day International (ODI) against Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
The Proteas got off to a bad start as Ireland reduced them to 39/3 with the trio of Tony de Zorzi (12), Temba Bavuma (4) and Rassie van Der Dussen (0) all back in the hut.
That brought together Rickelton (91) and Stubbs (79) who combined for a 152-run fourth wicket stand in 25.5 overs which helped the Proteas gain the impetus.
Ultimately, South Africa were able to post an imposing 271/9 which proved way out of reach for Ireland as the Proteas, led by Ngidi (2/25), bowled them out for 132 in 31.5 overs.
Proteas fast bowler Lungi Ngidi has praised the efforts of Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs for helping South Africa to victory in the first One-Day International (ODI) against Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
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‘Showing what they’re capable of under pressure’
“[After] the win yesterday, the guys are very happy. They did put us under pressure very early. And to have Ryan and Stubbs pull us out of the dirt there like that the way they did, was really good especially to see two young guys really putting their hands up in terms of showing what they're capable of under pressure,” said Ngidi.
The Proteas and Ireland have been in Abu Dhabi for over a week, as the sides took part in a two-match T20 International series before the 50-over action.
Though the conditions were more in favour of the Proteas in the drawn T20 series, the difference may have been even bigger in the longer format.
“We obviously did enjoy the conditions.
“Abu Dhabi has been sort of like that since we've arrived here. I would say the ball does swing a little bit more under lights. The conditions do allow for a bit more swing, so we try to exploit that as much as we could.”
With Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Coetzee and Marco Jansen not involved in the Ireland series, Ngidi has been tasked with leading the Proteas attack. It’s a job that Ngidi has relished.
“Being given the role and responsibility as a leader within the bowling attack, I think I sort of enjoy those responsibilities. You know, especially when a lot of the senior guys aren't here, you obviously get the opportunity.
“I’m not trying to focus on too many things. I know what I'm capable of. So just getting the opportunity to play a bit more and consistently is something any player would enjoy. The rhythm is good, mental space is good, and I think it's starting to reflect in the performances.”
South Africa lost their three-match ODI series against Afghanistan last month, and were outplayed in the first two matches before restoring some pride in the dead rubber. It would have also come as a disappointment to draw the T20I series with Ireland.
Making a strong start to the ODI series against Ireland, was significant believed Ngidi.
“I think it's always good to start off a series that way. It takes a lot of pressure off, obviously the job is not done yet, but it's always better to be 1-0 up than 1-0 down.
“I think it was really good to see the batters the way they were able to fight through and then the bowlers the way they were able to obviously put the conditions to use under light.”