Never felt more pressure: Rabada

"During school, I have been required to bowl the last over quite a few times. But it can’t be bigger than this," the fast bower said after South Africa took a five-run win against India in Kanpur.

Published : Oct 11, 2015 21:57 IST , Kanpur

Kagiso Rabada bowled a tight final over under pressure.
Kagiso Rabada bowled a tight final over under pressure.
lightbox-info

Kagiso Rabada bowled a tight final over under pressure.

Young South African pacer Kagiso Rabada said clarity of thought helped him bowl a brilliant final over where he could capture two Indian wickets and defend 11 runs to ensure his team's victory in the first one-day international at Green Park here on Sunday.

Rabada said South African captain AB de Villiers told him how to keep M.S. Dhoni quiet. “AB said M.S. can pounce on the full balls. The plan was very great and it worked out great,” said Rabada in the post-match press conference on Sunday.

“We pitched back of the length and felt it was harder and harder to bat as the day progressed. It was a two-paced wicket. We were clear about what to do in the last over. Adjusted well in the conditions and it paid off.”

Rabada said his death over experience during school days helped him too. “During school, I have been required to bowl the last over quite a few times. But it can’t be bigger than this. You are bowling to one (Dhoni) of the best in the world. It was crucial to keep a clear mind. I was lucky to get the advice of AB and others.

“I have never felt more pressure in the game than today. Simply because of magnitude of the players and the level of cricket. The fans, the big game – it was very emotional,” he said.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment