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South Africa Cricket Captain AB De Villiers Praises Team-Mates

South Africa Cricket Captain AB De Villiers Praises Team-Mates

South African Cricket captain AB De Villiers has spoken highly of his team-mates, and especially his middle order batsmen following the Proteas’ victory against Zimbabwe in their opening match of the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand on Sunday.

The top batsman had kind words for two individuals in particular following the victory at Seddon Park, in which a record unbeaten 256-run fifth wicket partnership between David Miller and JP Duminy. Miller and Duminy scored 138 and 115 not out, respectively.

That partnership was fundamental in turning around a negative start for the South Africans, with the top order batsmen not able to produce to their usual high standards against their fellow African opposition.

Speaking to the media at a press conference after the match, the Proteas skipper said, “It was very pleasing to sit on the side and watch that. We were talking about 240 to 250 at one stage, and ended up getting that. I don’t know how we did it but it was an incredible performance by the two of them.

“David got a sniff in the 40th over, and went to it from there. We’ve seen him demolish attacks before and that’s what he’s capable of. To see that at the highest level in the biggest tournament you can get is great. It shows you where this guy’s (Miller) going with his cricket career. To get JP also in good form, he’s been a little bit out of touch with injuries, to see him bat like that is very pleasing,” De Villiers said.

The captain also had encouraging words for the Zimbabweans.

“I’m very happy with the performance. You’ve got to give credit to the Zimbabwe players, they played a really good game today. No doubt that the wicket played a big part in them getting ahead early on, it was a really difficult wicket to battle on in the first 20 overs,” he said.

“The wicket got a little easier in our innings and David and JP made full use of that, they played exceptionally well with a great partnership that won us the game today. I’m very, very satisfied with our first win. These guys (Zimbabwe) can play some cricket. Like I said before, they beat Australia not long ago, and I won’t be surprised if they upset a couple of teams in this World Cup.”

Wednesday will see South Africa play their second match of the tournament against India in Melbourne.