5 things the Proteas need to get right in the second ODI | South Africa vs Afghanistan

FILE. There will be a number of things the Proteas need to improve on in the second ODI against Afghanistan, and Temba Bavuma could be one of the key players to set things right. Picture: Randy Brooks / AFP)

FILE. There will be a number of things the Proteas need to improve on in the second ODI against Afghanistan, and Temba Bavuma could be one of the key players to set things right. Picture: Randy Brooks / AFP)

Published Sep 20, 2024

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Following their crushing loss to Afghanistan in the first One-Day International (ODI) in Sharjah on Wednesday, the Proteas will be desperately wanting to hit back as soon as possible.

South Africa take on Afghanistan in the second ODI at the same venue in the UAE on Friday, hoping to restore their pride after their six-wicket defeat two days prior.

It was a performance to forget for the Proteas, as they were bundled out for 107 in the first match.

Here are five things the Proteas need to get right to level the series.

— IOL Sport (@IOLsport) September 19, 2024

Get stuck in

It goes without saying, but you’re not going to win many matches after being reduced to 35/7.

It almost went unnoticed, but openers Reeza Hendricks and Tony de Zorzi made a decent start to reach 17/0 after 2.5 overs. It took a loose shot from Hendricks which started the collapse, and he would not be the last SA batsman to give away his wicket. More discipline will be needed throughout the batting order.

Experienced batsmen need to step up

Here’s looking at you Aiden Markram and Hendricks. The two players have 104 ODI appearances between them, and considering the rest of the top seven in the Proteas lineup on Wednesday had 38 caps combined - it’s vital the pair lead the way.

Temba Bavuma needs to set the example

Bavuma was ruled out in the first ODI due to illness. Provided he is fit to play, he needs to ensure he settles a Proteas dressing room that seemed like a deer in the headlights on Wednesday.

He will also have to stick around as long as possible in the middle to help his side post a decent total or keep his side in the chase.

South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma warms up before the start of the first one-day international (ODI) cricket match between India and South Africa at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on October 6, 2022. (Photo by Sajjad HUSSAIN / AFP)

Get the toss right

Nothing can be done if SA lose the toss, but if they do win it - they probably shouldn’t bat first. If the pitch is at all similar to the one used in the first match, setting a score just isn’t a good option.

Give the bowlers something to defend

If South Africa do have to bat first, making just over 100 will likely see them lose the three-match series with a game to spare.

It ties in with the batsmen getting stuck in, but making a score that the bowlers actually have a chance of defending is imperative. Much has been made of Lungi Ngidi leading the Proteas attack in the absence of Kagiso Rabada. Ngidi though, must be given some runs to play with if he can have a chance of producing something special.