Sisanda Magala says he kept it simple during his Man of the Match bowling performance against England in Bloemfontein on Friday.
The 32-year-old took 3-46 in his nine overs, including the breakthrough wicket of Dawid Malan, as England collapsed from 146-0 in the 20th over to be bowled out for 271 in the 45th. Opener Jason Roy top-scored with 113.
The Proteas had earlier posted 298-7, with Rassie van der Dussen making 111 – his fourth career ODI hundred.
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“I was a little bit nervous, I won’t lie, considering how England were going at that stage and the brand of cricket they play,” said Magala, who was brought on to bowl in the 18th over when England were 123-0.
“I was also excited. It was really about just letting that first ball go. We were lucky not to have allowed them big partnerships after the opening stand. We got wickets at regular intervals, and that gave us momentum and belief that we could win.
“The currency was wickets.”
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Regarding his bowling approach to England’s batsmen, Magala said: “It really was just about keeping it simple, especially coming from T20s where you have to use a range of variations almost immediately.
“Here it was just about going back to basics, which allowed us to get breakthroughs and stunted the English batters.”
Magala was thrilled to be named Man of the Match and play a part in an important victory that keeps the Proteas’ hopes of qualifying directly for this year’s World Cup alive.
“At the end of the day, I just want to contribute as much as I can towards the team winning. If I played a hand in my team winning, I’m more than happy. It’s pointless getting runs and wickets if you still lose. You need to get over the line.”