SA vs ZIM: South Africa Has "No Regrets" About Zimbabwe's Washout: Mark Boucher

Coach Mark Boucher of South Africa claimed that his team would be better off with a no-result in the T20 World Cup first round than having rain again eliminate them in the knockout stages. This was due to the team being denied play due to persistent rainfall.

In its inaugural T20 World Cup match, South Africa was cruising at 51 for no loss in three overs with opener Quinton de Kock going strong at an 18-ball unbeaten 47. Zimbabwe had set a target of 80 in nine overs, which was amended to 64 in seven overs following a brief rain break.

The outgoing coach Mark Boucher said, “We haven’t had a good history with rain,” recalling how South Africa lost in a rain-affected semi-final in the 1992 World Cup, misread a DLS sheet, and was eliminated in the first round of the 2003 World Cup, and lost in another cutback match in the 2015 fifty-over World Cup final four. However, we would prefer to have it in the first game, when we are still in control and have more options.”

South Africa made every effort to avoid the weather. They sped to 51 for 0 in just three overs while attempting to reach the amended target of 64. Boucher did acknowledge that they were “frustrated” to have come “so close” and then have it “taken away” from them from that perspective.

“You walk away from this game thinking we were hard done by, whether the game should have taken place or not,” he said.

“Temba has been batting really well in the nets”: Mark Boucher

Mark Boucher uses the example of benching their top-ranked bowler in the format – Tabraiz Shamsi – to highlight that Bavuma still has the coach’s support even when he keeps the in-form Reeza Hendricks out of the lineup.

“Temba was injured, but he did own that spot and is the captain. He hasn’t been in great shape, but he got sick in India, and these conditions suit his game much better. I can also say that he has been batting very well in the nets, “ Mark Boucher stated.

“It’s difficult, not just for him (Hendricks). We went with the extra seamer today, which was a little harsh on Shammo, but I think it was the right decision. We have some good options for the future,” Mark Boucher added.

South Africa’s match against Pakistan on Thursday, November 3rd, could be a virtual quarter-final if no major upsets occur in this group.

Also Read: AUS vs SL: Match Preview – ICC T20 World Cup 2022, Match 19