South Africa’s Rossouw determined to continue his roller-coaster ride

The 33-year-old lefthander scored the first century of the tournament to help the Proteas to a thumping 104-run win over Bangladesh on Thursday and put them back on course for a place in the semi-finals.

Published : Oct 28, 2022 09:26 IST , SYDNEY

Rossouw celebrates his century against Bangladesh.
Rossouw celebrates his century against Bangladesh. | Photo Credit: PTI
infoIcon

Rossouw celebrates his century against Bangladesh. | Photo Credit: PTI

Rilee Rossouw has taken the long road to the Twenty20 World Cup and the in-form South African batsman is determined to enjoy the ride for as long as he can.

The 33-year-old lefthander scored the first century of the tournament to help the Proteas to a thumping 104-run win over Bangladesh on Thursday and put them back on course for a place in the semi-finals.

His innings of 109 continued the purple patch of form he has enjoyed since his recall to South African colours this season after five years playing English county cricket.

Rossouw, who made the decision in 2017 to walk away from his country and take up the deal to play in England, was overcome with emotion when he reached the century mark at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

“I’m a very passionate man,” he told reporters. “And getting across the line, it meant a lot to me. It means a lot to my family back home.

“It’s just been a good roller coaster ride. Just to play with South Africa again, it’s been amazing.”

Always a hard-hitting batsman, Rossouw hammered eight sixes in Thursday’s innings on his way to his second T20 century of the year, the first an unbeaten 100 against India in Indore earlier this month.

“Sometimes things go your way,” he added. “And this year has been like an unbelievable roller-coaster ride for me. So happy. So proud to be sitting here. Never thought about it in a million years.”

His form augurs well for South Africa as they go into their third match of the tournament against Group 2 leaders India in Perth on Sunday.

Rossouw, who played 51 short format internationals between 2014 and 2016, said there were times over the last five years when he thought he might never represent South Africa again.

“When you give up your right to play for your country and you expect, okay, that is going to be my last chance,” he added.

“So you’ve got to cherish any moment that you play for your country.

“It’s been a great journey. It’s been a long journey. But it’s not finished yet, hopefully. So we’re taking it one game at a time and hopefully get another opportunity to do well.”

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