Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi says that it was important for the Proteas to start the Ireland ODI series on a winning note, and the mood around the camp is positive heading into the second encounter at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi today (1.30pm start).
South Africa took a 1-0 series lead with two matches remaining on Wednesday after recovering from a shaky start to beat the European side by a massive 139 runs with 18.5 overs left in the contest.
Lizaad Williams (4/32) starred with the ball as the Irish struggled to come to terms with his accuracy and consistency outside the off-stump.
But it was the 152-run partnership between Ryan Rickelton (91) and Tristan Stubbs (79) that set it up perfectly after surviving Mark Adair’s relentless attack with the ball.
Ngidi (2/35) was one of the stand-out bowlers on the night, and excelled in his role as one of the senior members of a young side still learning their ropes in international cricket.
The 28-year-old seam bowler is enjoying his new responsibility in the absence of regulars such as Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortjé.
“I have been enjoying the leadership role and responsibility within the bowling attack,” Ngidi said in a press conference.
“A lot of the senior guys are not here, so you obviously get the opportunity.
“But I’m trying not to focus on too many things; the rhythm is good, the mental space is good, and it’s starting to reflect in the performances.
“We enjoyed the (hot) conditions... Abu Dhabi has been like that since we arrived here.
“I would say that the ball probably does swing a bit more under lights, and the conditions do allow for more swing, and we tried to exploit that as much as we can.”
Despite the inexperienced side, the competition for places – with the Champions Trophy fast approaching – is intensifying with every fixture played.
What a performance from the Proteas in the first ODI against Ireland💥👏
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) October 2, 2024
Ryan Rickelton lead the charge with a sensational 91 runs, showing pure class at the crease! 🏏🔥 And Lizaad Williams was unstoppable with the ball, taking 4 key wickets to seal the deal! 🎯💪
A brilliant… pic.twitter.com/M1GgWA9LS5
Ngidi was pleased with Rickelton’s performance, especially the maturity he showed in the partnership with Stubbs, and he also emphasised the importance of grabbing opportunities when they present themselves.
“I was really good to see two young guys put their hands up in terms of showing what they are capable of under pressure, and it’s always good to start the series that way,” the 28-year-old said.
“It takes a lot of pressure off. Obviously the job is not done yet, but it’s better to be 1-0 up than down.
“You need to put your hand up in those tough situations in order to give yourself a chance of being selected.
“Opportunities like this don’t come often, and once they do come and go by, it’s always difficult to get back into the team.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) and Proteas Men's spinner Tabraiz Shamsi have today jointly announced that the 34-year-old has decided to opt out of his national contract, effective immediately.
The move will allow Shamsi, who has played 51 One-Day Internationals and 70 T20… pic.twitter.com/Bm7VAUbOKQ
“Showing the coach and the team that you’re capable of handling such situations like that puts you in a better position when it comes to tournaments like the Champions Trophy and World Cups.
“It makes the coaches’ job a little bit harder, but I don’t think you would want to have it any other way.”