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Cape Town - Aaron Phangiso and David Wiese were instrumental in the Proteas’ six wicket win over New Zealand in the opening T20 at Kingsmead on Friday, says captain AB de Villiers.
READ: PROTEAS COAST TO KINGSMEAD WIN
New Zealand raced to a start of 56/0 after six overs, and it appeared that a mammoth score was on the cards.
But Phangiso (2/29) and Wiese (2/24) pegged back the Black Caps back with wickets at crucial times to halt the momentum, and De Villiers praised the pair after the match.
“I think the way we slowed the game down, with Phangi (Phangiso) and David (Wiese) that bowled really well in a partnership there, it turned the momentum and then we ran with it,” said De Villiers.
The skipper also praised the rest of his seamers for the way they responded to the initial New Zealand onslaught.
“All the seamers that came back for their second spells bowled really well and (it was) an all-round great fielding performance as well so really happy,” said De Villiers.
“We mixed it up exceptionally well. The last 15 overs of our bowling performance was near perfect. I can’t think of a lot things that went wrong there.
“They guys had smart plans … when I spoke to them in between balls they knew exactly what they were trying to do.”
Phangiso was particularly pleased with the faith that De Villiers placed in him.
“It was great to see the captain give me the ball under pressure. It is one of those things that all players want, to succeed under pressure,” the Lions man said.
“I enjoyed the pressure and I enjoyed the confidence the captain gave me.”
