Rassie van der Dussen says he doesn’t pay much attention to his incredible ODI batting average, which is now 73.62 after 30 matches.
Van der Dussen struck a career-best 129* off 96 balls in the Proteas’ 31-run win over India in Paarl on Wednesday and was part of a 204-run partnership for the fourth wicket with captain Temba Bavuma (110 off 143 balls).
It was his second hundred in the format after he scored 123* against Pakistan last season, to go with nine fifties.
Van der Dussen transformed the Proteas’ innings, sweeping effectively against the India spin bowlers and scoring freely against the faster bowlers.
He hit nine fours and four sixes, two of which came off free hits after Shardul Thakur bowled no-balls, and was named Man of the Match.
“I don’t pay too much attention to it,” said Van der Dussen when asked about his average after the game. “You are sometimes aware of it because they show it on TV, or whatever, but I think for me in every innings you are starting on 0 and trying to assess the match situation and what’s needed from you.
“I suppose in my ODI career, I’ve been really clear when I go into bat and to know what was needed from me. As for today, I’m glad I could play a match-winning knock in the end.”
Van der Dussen points to his ability to understand game situations as one of the major reasons for his success in the format.
“Going in the middle order, I try to read the situation and play it according to how I think will give us a good score or win the match.”
Bavuma admitted that he struggled to time the ball consistently and settled for playing a supporting role to Van der Dussen.
“It seemed like he was batting on a different wicket,” said the captain. “The energy and intensity he brought really gave our innings impetus. My focus was to try and partner him for as much as I can.”
The second ODI is also at Boland Park on Friday, with the third at Newlands on Sunday.
