Last Update on: November 17th, 2023 at 01:31 pm
Veteran spinner Imran Tahir expressed his disappointment with Temba Bavuma’s captaincy decisions following South Africa‘s semi-final loss in the ICC World Cup 2023. Imran Tahir expressed his willingness to fight for the South African team, even at his current age.
The Proteas managed to set a 213-run target in the second semi-final at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday, November 16. The Temba Bavuma-led team couldn’t prevent the Pat Cummins-led team from securing a narrow three-wicket victory in the knockout match.
Are You Going As A Warrior? – Imran Tahir
Speaking after South Africa’s loss, Imran Tahir criticized the team’s mindset, especially Bavuma’s decision not to have a slip when the opposition team needed only 25 runs to win. Tahir emphasized the importance of strategic decisions in the crucial encounter.
“It is all about mindset. If you are going out on the field, are you going as a warrior? You are persisting with a bowler who’s bowling 90mph (Coetzee), but you didn’t keep a slip for him. Then, you concede a four from slips when they need 25 runs to win. As a captain, and even as senior players, you should know such things,” Tahir told Star Sports.
Won’t Be The First Heros To Reach The Final – Imran Tahir
The 44-year-old emphasized the significance of the semi-final match, stating that the South African team missed the opportunity to reach the final for the first time in World Cup history.
“This is a big game, not a normal, bilateral match. Youngsters don’t realize what more this bunch could’ve done. Sure, a South African team will eventually reach a final. Youngsters will come. We believed in this team, and they won’t be the first heroes to reach the final. If you keep squandering such chances… today, the ground was full. There are 54 million South Africans who were behind you. Personally, I’m very disappointed. Give me a South Africa kit right now, I’m ready to fight even at this age,” Tahir further stated.
South Africa is yet to reach the ODI World Cup final, as they suffered their fifth semi-final loss in tournament history. The last semi-final appearance for South Africa was in the 2015 edition, and they did not make it to the semi-finals in the previous ODI World Cup.
