Cricket

Proteas must put first World Cup win behind them, says Nortje

The SA staff misplaced to the Netherlands within the final two World Cup tournaments they performed.

Though they have been in fact happy to get their marketing campaign off to a constructive begin, quick bowler Anrich Nortje says the Proteas must put their first win behind them and give attention to this weekend’s match in opposition to bogey staff the Netherlands on the T20 World Cup.

Nortje returned career-best figures of 4/7, main the SA staff to a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka with 22 balls to spare of their opening match in New York on Monday.

However, with the Netherlands up subsequent on Saturday, additionally at Nassau County Stadium, Nortje mentioned it was essential for the squad to stay focussed on the duty at hand.

The Dutch aspect beat the Proteas within the Super 12 stage of the T20 World Cup in Australia in 2022, and once more within the group stage on the 50-over World Cup in India final yr.

Another loss to the Netherlands in New York would put them beneath stress in a gaggle which additionally consists of hazard aspect Bangladesh.

“We’re very satisfied and very happy with our performance, but now we need to clear our thoughts and get ready for the next one again,” Nortje mentioned.

“It’s going to be a short turnaround and we can’t really harp on too much about one game.”

Targeting playoffs

With a win over Sri Lanka beneath their belt, the Proteas remained the favourites on paper to complete high of Group D, and Nortje mentioned they have been focussed on securing a spot within the knockout levels later within the event.

But with a Super 8 stage that also wanted to be negotiated earlier than the playoffs, he admitted they nonetheless had loads of work to do of their try and carry the nation’s first senior World Cup trophy.

If they labored collectively and caught to their plans, nevertheless, he believed they’d the power to struggle all the way in which to the tip.

“It’s a long process that we’ve been building towards, and we just need to stick to our processes,” Nortje mentioned.

“We need to keep working hard for the next week or two, and hopefully get to the playoffs and take it from there.”


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