Rob Walter, in his capacity as the chief coach of South Africa, possesses a multitude of qualities. Not among them is an excessive ego, which is advantageous when you are tasked with justifying a record-breaking loss. As a result of India’s emphatic 243-run triumph at Eden Gardens on Sunday, there was no more suitable candidate to undertake the task.
Atop the standings teams met in a contest in which each had suffered only a single defeat in their collective fourteen matches of the tournament. However, India dominated the match from beginning to end, amassing 326/5 with Virat Kohli’s 101 not out to tie Sachin Tendulkar’s ODI record of 49 centuries. Ravindra Jadeja then claimed 5/33 as South Africa collapsed to 83 all out in 27.1 overs, sealing their costliest loss in the format’s history by runs. With 91 runs scored during their powerplay, India surpassed the South Africans for the duration of their innings. How had everything gone so terribly awry?
“Good question and an understatement altogether,” Walter said. “It was just a day where we were outskilled. They got off to a flyer and we pulled it back nicely. [India’s total] was too much on that deck, and then from a bowling point of view they put us under pressure from the word go. We couldn’t claw our way back in.”
Eight centuries were struck collectively by Heinrich Klaasen, Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram in the first seven matches for South Africa. They combined for 28 runs on Sunday, with Klaasen finishing with 13 runs.
Based on his 18 wickets in the powerplay, Marco Jansen entered Eden Gardens as the most perilous new-ball bowler of the World Cup. On Sunday, he was dismissed for 43 runs after four overs. With an economy rate of 9.72, he completed with a career-worst 1/94.
Jansen’s confidence was not negatively impacted by the disciplinary action, according to Walter: “Isn’t it a privilege, Jansen, to be able to exit in front of thousands of people in a game such as today, when there are so many learning opportunities? Despite his disappointment today, he possesses the necessary skill set to recover and perform admirably in the coming attempt. The present possession he possesses is the experience and knowledge gained from competing in a crucible filled with a multitude of individuals rooting for one’s defeat. Such is the value of that experience. This is the only place where you can obtain it.”
As both teams had qualified for the semifinals before Sunday, not much was riding on the match. But South Africa could meet the Indians again in the knockouts. How did that make Walter feel?
“You have to believe that on the day, if you execute your skills, you’ve also got a chance. We didn’t get that right from the word go today.
“But you get taught new lessons every day and get surprised every day. So it wouldn’t surprise me if the tables were turned the next time around. The beauty of it is that there may well be another shot for us.”
At least, South Africa’s supporters will say to each other, their team didn’t beat themselves. Instead, they fell victim to vastly better opponents. Walter concurred: “The scoreboard will tell you everything you need to know. India was far superior, there are no two ways about that.
“Just like we’ve been far superior to other teams that, on paper, we have looked evenly matched with or are potentially superior to us.
“Once you get your nose in front in international cricket, I believe anyone can beat anyone. And today the Indian side got their nose in front. We weren’t able to get back into the game.”
Eight centuries were struck collectively by Heinrich Klaasen, Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram in the first seven matches for South Africa. They combined for 28 runs on Sunday, with Klaasen finishing with 13 runs.
Based on his 18 wickets in the powerplay, Marco Jansen entered Eden Gardens as the most perilous new-ball bowler of the World Cup. On Sunday, he was dismissed for 43 runs after four overs. With an economy rate of 9.72, he completed with a career-worst 1/94.
Jansen’s confidence was not negatively impacted by the disciplinary action, according to Walter: “Isn’t it a privilege, Jansen, to be able to exit in front of thousands of people in a game such as today, when there are so many learning opportunities? Despite his disappointment today, he possesses the necessary skill set to recover and perform admirably in the coming attempt. The present possession he possesses is the experience and knowledge gained from competing in a crucible filled with a multitude of individuals rooting for one’s defeat. Such is the value of that experience. This is the only place where you can obtain it.”
“The guys have worked incredibly hard on their game and we have invested a huge amount of time into our preparation. Now it’s about recovering mentally and physically and being ready to compete like we have the whole tournament.”
But not, he didn’t have to say, like they failed to do on Sunday.
