Former India batter Aakash Chopra praised South Africa for being at their most destructive while setting an aim for the World Cup in 2023.
After deciding to bat first against Bangladesh in Mumbai on Tuesday, October 24, the Proteas set a 383-run goal. They then bowled out Shakib Al Hasan and his team for 233 to secure a 149-run victory and climb to second place in the points rankings.
In a video posted on his YouTube account, Chopra discussed how South Africa brought their offensive approach to the fore when they batted first. He stated:
“This is a team. They activate the monster mode when they bat first. They got stuck once. That was in the run chase against the Netherlands but this team is different while batting first.”
Aakash Chopra
The former Indian opener commended Quinton de Kock for his crucial role in shifting the momentum of the game after Bangladesh had managed to take two early wickets. He explained:
“Bangladesh made a good start, they picked two wickets in the powerplay. It seemed like they would change the game but how will they do that because Quinton de Kock has decided and come that it is his last World Cup and every time it should be said – ‘Abhi na jao chhod kar ki dil abhi bhara nahin’ (Please don’t leave now, it seems to early).”
Aakash Chopra
Chopra noted that the Proteas wicketkeeper-batter’s performances may prompt supporters to wonder why he is leaving the ODI format. He said:
“He is doing exactly that. He has scored three centuries and has already said that his ODI cricket is over after this. Now you won’t ask when will you go and instead ask why are you going. This is the kind of tournament he is having.”
Aakash Chopra
De Kock hit 15 fours and seven sixes to smash 174 runs off 140 deliveries. With 407 runs, he has eclipsed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to become the tournament’s leading run-scorer.
“Heinrich Klaasen is playing differently” – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra lauded Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, and David Miller for executing their roles to perfection while noticing that Quinton de Kock was removed when he appeared to be on his way to a double century. He stated:
“Considering the sort of batting form he (De Kock) was in and the number of overs that were left, I think 200 was there for the taking. Aiden Markram – he also scored a half-century. He has struck a century earlier. David Miller also scored runs this time and Heinrich Klaasen is playing differently.”
Aakash Chopra
During his 90-run innings, Heinrich Klaasen hit two fours and eight sixes. While Markram made a 69-ball 60, Miller hit an undefeated 34 off only 15 deliveries.