Proteas Face Another White-ball Series Defeat As They Eye Champions Trophy Growth

South Africa's 81-run ODI defeat to Pakistan at Newlands Cricket Ground on Thursday, 19 December 2024, following a three-wicket loss in Paarl on Tuesday, means the team has now only won three out of seven series under white-ball coach Walter.

Two of these victories were against smaller European teams, the Netherlands and Ireland, while they were beaten by Afghanistan and India and drew a series against the West Indies at the start of his tenure.

How can it be anything but disappointing? a composed Walter asked the media after Thursdays defeat in Cape Town. As a team, we werent up to the mark. Ive got to accept responsibility because we have lost a series its disappointing.

Poor Record

Walters record as head coach in bilateral cricket, which includes T20Is where he has only won one out of eight series, is not reflected in the two tournaments he led. His win percentage at the Cricket World Cup and T20 World Cup stands at 84, while in bilateral white-ball cricket, it drops to 37.5.

Several factors contribute to this, including frequent squad changes as the coach seeks to build depth. In the series against Pakistan, Walter chose a side closer to his best XI with an eye on next years Champions Trophy.

Injuries, however, have hindered these ambitions. Experienced middle-order batter David Miller and captain Temba Bavuma missed the first ODI due to injury and load management. Fast bowler Ottniel Baartman suffered an injury during the first ODI, and premier spinner Keshav Maharaj incurred a serious adductor injury during warm-up for the match in Paarl.

Especially in this series, weve had to change at the last minute, which causes disruptions, Walter said regarding the injuries. Injuries happen, and we have several at the moment, which is challenging but strengthens us in the long run.

Losing games is never enjoyable, but it gives players the opportunity to play. Consistency in selection is ideal, but in short-format cricket, we often serve different masters.

We need senior players to step up. We cant use different players as an excuse not to perform.

Winning Mentality

Walter is confident his side can turn things around when it matters. Given his record at major tournaments, its hard not to believe him.

But, like Ive said before, the losses will turn into wins, he said. We will have a stronger group of players moving forward. Our end goal is a few years down the line, and well keep building towards that.

South Africa struggled in every department at Newlands, allowing Pakistan to set 329 runs with erratic bowling before being bowled out for 248, with only Heinrich Klaasen 97 off 74 balls making a significant contribution.

Fielding Issues

The most disappointing aspect might have been the fielding. Player of the match Kamran Ghulam was dropped twice on his way to a match-changing 63 off 32 deliveries.

Walter said there would not be significant changes to the team, outside of injured players returning.

Our team doesnt need major changes, but weve had to adjust due to injuries, he said. There are some players not currently playing who would factor into the squad for the Champions Trophy, along with those who played in this series.

A large portion of the squad picks itself when were playing well. Some players are starting to stake a claim to replace those normally considered first-choice, which is how it should be.