Tahir’s simple recipe for success
Proteas leg-spinner Imran Tahir has attributed his current run of form to simple and clear game plans against the opposition.
Tahir bowled a pivotal spell to stem the runs
after a strong onslaught from Australia’s batsmen in the opening KFC T20
International at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead on Friday, and has been a standout
x-factor option with the ball with crucial breakthroughs this summer.
His 3 for 21 in Durban last night follows his man of the series performance against England, which are encouraging signs ahead of the ICC World T20 in India in a few weeks.
“As a bowler there are many times where I bowled a good ball and never got a wicket,” he said of the full toss to dismiss Aaron Finch.
“I will take that international wicket any day even though it was a full toss. The good and satisfying thing for me is the way I bowled after that, I didn’t bowl any bad balls, that was pleasing. I don’t look at the bad balls and put myself under pressure, in T20 cricket if you get one or two wickets that changes the game very quickly.
“I am the type of bowler who goes into the match with clear plans and goals of what I need to do,” he explained.
“I try to work out the opposition batsmen, and work hard in the nets and see where I can succeed, especially in T20 and limited-overs cricket.
“I feel I’ve been the same bowler over the last few years,” he said of his current form. “Taking wickets or not taking wickets doesn’t matter to me, as long as I’m doing well for the team, that’s what I look to do. If the wickets do come I am always happy to take that.”
Last night’s man of the match, David Miller, says he will have to start from zero as the squad aims for the series in the second match at Bidvest Wanderers Stadium on Sunday. Miller says it’s has been a ‘frustrating’ few months due to the lean run with the bat and was relieved to have taken the team over the line under pressure.
His last score over fifty was at the ICC Cricket World Cup over a year ago and last night’s display of his finishing prowess was a timely confidence boost to affirm his role in the team.
“It was nice to be back in the runs,” he said.
“Getting another game for your country is always awesome, I really enjoyed the opportunity. I had a bit of time to bat, there was a lot of pressure on me but I enjoyed the moment, especially playing in front of my home crowd.
“It’s great timing I suppose,” he said.
"It’s just one innings and in the next match I’m going to have to start on zero. It’s all about momentum going into that World Cup and as a team we have done well over the last couple of months. Personally, it’s special to perform and win the game and to take it home for the boys.”
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