It was so near yet so far for South Africa as they came agonizingly close to the target. They pushed New Zealand hard but in the end, the Black Caps held their nerves to get over the line in the end overs and eke out a 3-run win. South Africa has a history of crumbling under pressure and that came back to haunt them even though this was a young side. The match was so close that it’s tough to find out obvious reasons for their loss. But we will find out three reasons why they lost the final to New Zealand.
Inability to handle pressure haunts South Africa
South Africa got most things right on the big day, but their inability to finish games under pressure came back to haunt them. They wanted to chase, and the pitch was ideal for T20 cricket. New Zealand posted 180 on the board and South Africa began the chase well through their openers Pretorius and Reeza Hendricks, putting on 92 for the first wicket inside 10 overs to lay the platform.
Thereafter, they were always in the contest and although the required rate went up, South Africa kept things under control. Dewald Brevis playing the role of finisher was playing a game-changing innings. But with 7 needed off the final over with wickets in hand, South Africa failed to close the deal. Credit to Matt Henry for bowling the final over superbly and some outstanding catches by the New Zealand fielders was on display. But South Africa’s inability to close the deal was evident.
Going forward in marquee multi-nation events, the Proteas must learn to finish games under pressure and execute it. Otherwise, more such heartbreaks will be instore for South Africa. They have the chokers tag with them despite winning the WTC final against Australia. They need to now win a white-ball ICC event to get rid of this dubious tag.
Slow batting from overs 11-15 pegs South Africa back
South Africa started steadily and gradually accelerated in the chase as they kept wickets in hand for the death overs. While they were going great after having a decent powerplay courtesy the opening partnership, the phase just after the halfway stage of 5 overs is where they slowed down as the Kiwis tightened the screws. South Africa were 92/1 in 10 overs and had the platform to drive home the advantage.
In the next phase from 11-15, the Proteas took their score from 92/1 in 10 overs to 131/3 in 15 overs. 39 runs were scored in that 5-over phase for the loss of 2 wickets as Reeza Hendricks and captain Rassie van der Dussen fell. This phase meant South Africa needed 50 off the last 30 balls with 7 wickets in hand. This is not a daunting equation with wickets in hand, but it did bring New Zealand back in the game. This phase might be seen as small but overs 11-15 can be match-defining at times in a close game.
Going forward, South Africa needs to address these little things especially in close games and come out with flying colours. Had they even scored 10 extra runs in that mentioned phase, things would have been so different for the Proteas. They were left to rue about what might have been.
Rassie van der Dussen fails to perform with bat under pressure
After the 92-run first wicket stand between Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Reeza Hendricks inside 10 overs, it was important that South Africa keeps the momentum going. So, it was important for their Number 3 batter to go with the same flow. But captain Rassie van der Dussen failed to do that. He joined Reeza in the middle and played a really slow knock to break the momentum of the game.
He scored 18 off 17 balls with the help of 2 boundaries and added 24 off 19 balls with Hendricks. This meant Hendricks came under pressure due to dot balls and lack of strike rotation and Hendricks fell for 37 off 31 balls. Rassie also did not last long and fell soon after and with Rubin Hermann not clicking, it was left for the finishers to do the job which they almost did but couldn’t go across the line.
Rassie is not known as a T20 player and is leading this side as the seniors are taking a breather currently. South Africa are a young side on this tour. In order to continue being in the side after the seniors return, Rassie needs to step up with the bat and bat more aggressively to suit the team’s needs. On this occasion, his innings increased pressure on South Africa.
What Lies Ahead
The Tri-series is over with New Zealand lifting the cup and staying unbeaten throughout the tournament. New Zealand will stay on and play a 2-Test match series against hosts Zimbabwe starting next week. These two Tests will not be part of WTC 2025-27. Tom Latham will lead the side. South Africa, on the other hand, will head off Down Under to play Australia in August for white-ball fixtures with the seniors set to return to the line-up.
So, exciting times ahead and a lot to look forward to for both teams in their respective upcoming assignments. Both will aim to start and do well.
Also Read:Â NZ vs SA: Matt Henry Pulls Off A Heist & Wins T20I Tri Series For Kiwis