The Proteas continued where they left off in their abandoned T20 Cricket World Cup match against Zimbabwe earlier this week, to beat Bangladesh by an emphatic 104 runs.
🚨 RESULT | SOUTH AFRICA WIN BY 104 RUNS
The bowlers backed up the batting performance led by Rilee Rossouw's second T20I century as we grab our first win of the #T20WorldCup#SAvBAN #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/REqLSShBnn
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) October 27, 2022
The South African Men’s cricket team can exhale a massive breath in relief. They had their backs against the wall after missing out on a point on Monday, where Mother Nature had the final say, even though the Proteas had the finish line in their sights.
Rain again threatened in Sydney, and captain Temba Bavuma was extremely brave to opt for a bat first. While Temba once again failed to contribute much to the runs column, his early wicket turned out to work in the Proteas’ favour, as that brought Rilee Rossouw to the crease.
Rilee Rossouw leading the Proteas Charge
Rossouw and Quinton de Kock didn’t let the wicket in the first over influence their objective of dispatching the ball to all ends of the SCG. Rilee was especially dangerous and seemed unphased by a decent Bangladesh bowling attack. He scored a massive 109 off just 56 deliveries, before ultimately falling victim to Shakib Al Hasan.
“I try and simplify things and keep it as simple as possible. It doesn’t matter on what stage you’re playing,” said the ex-Kolpak man.
“It doesn’t matter who’s running in. Obviously, people have made names for themselves in cricket in T20 and you got to take it into consideration, but at the end of the day someone is bowling the ball to you and you’re going to hit it.”
Cricket really is as simple as that.
👉🏽 Back in the Protea squad after 6 Years
👉🏽 100* (48) vs 🇮🇳
👉🏽 109 (56) vs 🇧🇩The Rilee Roussow Resurrection 🔥#SAvBAN #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/fjqvmft3SU
— Pretoria Capitals (@PretoriaCapsSA) October 27, 2022
Back to take South Africa to new heights
Rilee made his return to the South African cricket set-up this year and has made full use of his opportunities. In his first season back in the Green and Gold since 2016, the 33-year-old has accumulated 340 runs and averages 68 in the eight games played.
“Every moment you play for your country you have to cherish,” said Rossouw after the win.
“It’s been a great journey, it’s been a long journey, but it’s not finished yet. We’re taking it one game at a time, and hopefully, I get another opportunity to do well.”
The Proteas next match at the T20 Men’s Cricket World Cup will be against India on Sunday. That match in Perth will start at 13h00 CAT.
