Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi relished the opportunity to bowl with the wind – and capitalise on recent success against Sri Lanka – in Sunday’s first ODI against Zimbabwe at the Diamond Oval in Kimberley.

The Proteas won by five wickets, with Ngidi named Man of the Match after snaring superb figures of 3-19 in 8.1 tight overs.

The telling performance was effectively built on the back of August’s tour of Sri Lanka, where Ngidi took 10 wickets in four ODIs.

‘The pitch was a lot spicier than we thought. I am happy to continue the good form. I’m carrying a lot of confidence from Sri Lanka,’ enthused Ngidi.

The talented right-armer’s Sunday haul included the key dismissals of dangerous opener Solomon Mire for a duck and hard-hitting all-rounder Elton Chigumbura for 27, which was Zimbabwe’s top scorer.

‘Attacking the stumps was also one thing here, as the ball was nipping around a bit. We just tried to hit the lengths, the wicket did the rest. Kagiso told me at the beginning, “You can have the wind, I’ll run into it,” and I tried to use it as much as I could,’ he added.

‘After the first ball, I thought it was stronger and had to adjust to it. I am very happy, I just want to keep putting my hand up. International cricket is a lovely challenge.’

The second ODI will be played in Bloemfontein on Wednesday. Paarl will host the third on Saturday. Three T20Is will follow.

Image: Gallo