Sisanda Magala 'keeping it simple' after starring for South Africa in ODI victory against England
- Nasri Alexander
- 28 January 2023
Sisanda Magala says he was happy to keep it "simple" after he played a starring role in South Africa's 27-run win over England in the first ODI in Bloemfontein on Friday.
The seamer received the man-of-the-match award after finishing with figures of 3-46 in nine overs as England were bowled out for 271 chasing a target of 299.
Magala told reporters after the game: "Yes, it really was just about keeping it simple, especially coming from T20s [in the SA20] where you have to use a range of variations almost immediately.
"Here it was just about going back to basics, which allowed us to get breakthroughs and stunted the English batters.
"At the end of the day, I just want to contribute as much as I can towards the team winning. If I played a hand in my team winning, I'm more than happy.
"It's pointless getting runs and wickets if you still lose. You need to get over the line."
England raced out of the blocks in the run-chase with openers Jason Roy and Dawid Malan putting on 146 within the first 20 overs.
Proteas captain Temba Bavuma held the 32-year-old Magala back until the partnership was in full throttle and he admitted he was nervous when he entered the fray.
Magala had not set the world alight in his previous three ODIs with his first over in international 50-over cricket going for 15 runs - including six wides - against India in Paarl last year.
The burly paceman produced the goods in Bloemfontein though as he captured the wicket of Malan (59) to break the partnership and then made further inroads removing Harry Brook and and Moeen Ali later on.
"I was a little bit nervous (coming on to bowl), I won't lie, considering how England were going at that stage and the brand of cricket they play," Magala said.
"I was also excited. It was really about just letting that first ball go. We were lucky not to have allowed them big partnerships after the opening stand.
"We got wickets at regular intervals, and that gave us momentum and belief that we could win. The currency was wickets."
The Proteas will look to wrap up the three-match ODI series when they play the second ODI at the same venue on Sunday.
