Published: Feb 18, 2017, 06:18 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 18, 2017, 06:18 PM (IST)
South Africa have set their eyes on Champions Trophy amidst their 11-match winning streak in One-Day Internationals (ODIs). ODI captain AB de Villiers believes that his team now has confidence like never before. One more win in Hamilton will equal their successful run in ODI cricket — matching 12 wins in a row they achieved in 2005. “There’s a great respect among the players and a sense of direction. It’s as simple as that. We know it can change in a matter of minutes, so there’s a deep respect for the game and the fact you can go into a dip at any time, but I really believe what we have in this team will carry us through good and bad times,” de Villiers told ESPNCricinfo. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: New Zealand vs South Africa
De Villiers considers this as a great build-up towards the Champions Trophy as it is their goal to go there and win the tournament. Even though they have a long way to go, but still this is great stepping stone for them. He further adds that the conditions in New Zealand are similar to UK, where the ball moves around a bit when it is new and they have to extend the partnership when they get in.
South Africa were cautious against the slow start to their tour but de Villiers was delighted with the intensity they showed in T20I at Eden Park. He admitted that convincing nature of the 78-run victory was great ahead of the main portions of the tour, even though the one-off match was tough to get motivated for.
Talking to ESPNCricinfo, de Villiers said, “You are away from home and you want to start a tour off on the right note. We are hoping that momentum will take us into the ODI series. I thought we played an outstanding game of cricket. It was vital for us to start well, it doesn’t guarantee us any success in the ODIs but it was a good start.”
Following their victory, close to midnight, the team celebrated by singing their team song. Though, de Villiers admitted it to be a little weird, he still feels that it is really important to maintain traditions. He believes that that this is a way of appreciating the good times and they do this ritualistically after every series win.
De Villiers admitted it was really difficult to forget their loss in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 semi-final and he has been reliving the emotions as the game gets played on TV, but he finds the memories really good. He further adds that though it will remain a fact that they lost the semi-final, they will still try to concentrate on the present moment.
