PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa, CMC – Proteas captain AB de Villiers has downplayed the significance of Sunday’s defeat to West Indies, as the side gears up for the ICC World Cup starting next month.
“It’s certainly not a wake-up call. We were wide awake and there is no doubt about the fact that we weren’t complacent,” de Villiers was quick to point out.
“We were on the money the whole time, we were fighting. After every wicket we spoke about being humble and working hard. “It came down to a bit of pressure towards the end and we lost. It’s a painful affair but we move on and we will try and finish on a high at Centurion.”
South Africa rattled up 262 for eight after they were sent in, with David Miller slamming an unbeaten 130 – his maiden ODI century. In reply, West Indies recovered from 73 for five in the 21st over, to chase down their target with nine balls to spare, thanks to Andre Russell’s unbeaten 64 from 40 deliveries.
De Villiers said, however, there were areas were South Africa needed to improve going forward to the final ODI in Centurion starting Wednesday.
“There were too many extras … which hurt me quite a bit,” he noted.
“It was unfortunate that we leaked the extras; the no-balls and wides. If you are going to play close games of cricket it comes down to the little things like that. The one dropped catch by me, a couple of fumbles in the field.
“All in all it was a great fight by us and I’m proud of the way we stuck to our plans and fought back.”
South Africa lead the five-match series 3-1.
