Janneman Malan says it was good to bat with Quinton de Kock during the Proteas’ run chase against India in Paarl on Friday.
South Africa reached their target of 288 with 11 balls to spare thanks mainly to the efforts of their openers, who put on 132 for the first wicket in 21.5 overs, before De Kock was dismissed for 78 off 66 balls.
Malan went on to make 91 off 108, but it was De Kock who won the Man of the Match award.
“Quinny made it easy for me at the start,” said Malan. “I just tried to give him as much strike as possible because I just wanted to let him go do his thing. He played a couple of ridiculous shots, which are good signs.
“He is one of the best batters in the world when he gets going, so it was good to bat with him.”
Malan said the Proteas’ ability to form significant partnerships had been key to their two victories in Paarl.
“We were happy to have two hundreds in the previous game, and maybe we could have had me or Quinny getting to a hundred here, but I’m very proud of the partnerships we had,” said Malan.
“We had a 100 partnership and two 50 partnerships, which means the batters are coming in with good plans and good intent and building nice partnerships to make it easier for each other.”
Aiden Markram found some form on Friday with 37* off 41 balls as he and Rassie van der Dussen (37* off 38) got the Proteas over the line.
“I’m happy for Aiden for showing what he can do,” said Malan. “He had a nice, positive mindset and he’s got all the talent in the world. I’m just happy for the batting unit.”
