Faf du Plessis defends Hashim Amla after Afghanistan victory

The opener struck an unbeaten 41 at a strike rate of 49.39 in the Proteas' successful run chase against Afghanistan at Cardiff

South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis has defended Hashim Amla after the opener struck an unbeaten 41 at a strike rate of 49.39 in the Proteas’ successful run chase at Cardiff.

Asked whether his side’s small target (127) offered the chance to boost the run rate, the captain argued that time in the middle for the 36-year-old batsman was of equal importance. 

“Obviously in a perfect world, yes, you would want Hash to get 40 balls, 40 or 50 balls,” he said.

“But I think specifically with him it's a bigger picture. It's about getting runs, finishing a game off, getting confidence for himself. He's a big player for us and we need him for the next four games.

“I think time in the middle is gold for anybody.”

At the other end Quinton de Kock struck 68 at a strike rate of 94.44 before becoming South Africa’s only wicket to fall.

“Guys like Quinton, they're on a different level when it comes to attacking and free all the time.” du Plessis continued.

“But not all players are like him. Some players really just needs time in the middle and runs behind their name or their back, which really gives them confidence. 

^{Amla in action at Cardiff}

“And that's why I say, in a perfect world, yes, we could have pushed a little harder at the end. But for me, sitting on the side, I was okay with him because I see the value in it in the games that's coming up next.”

Meanwhile the skipper was full of praise for his bowlers after they dismantled Afghanistan in 34.1 overs at Sophia Gardens. Du Plessis described Imran Tahir, who took figures of 4 for 29 as a “special” bowler.

“Imran, as always, is special, but I think especially on a wicket like that today where it's not suited for spinners, straight boundaries, to get four wickets like that today was an amazing bowling performance.”

With Lungi Ngidi out with a hamstring injury, a greater workload has fallen on South Africa’s back-up bowlers, a unit the leader was impressed with on Saturday.

“Really pleased with the bowlers. I thought once again Andi [Andile Phehlukwayo] and Chris [Morris] were very good through the middle there. The two of them are starting to put in some real consistent performances now for us with the ball, and that's very, very pleasing to see.

“I've really been impressed with Morri. He came these first couple of weeks within the side, was a little bit off his game. But he's turned it around completely. He's bowling really well in practices. He's hungry. He's performing well. He's consistent.

“And that's something that probably has not always been there with him. So that's really good signs for him. He's putting in a performance after performance.”

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