×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

AB gushes over record-equalling Hash

Hashim Amla left AB de Villiers almost speechless on Wednesday with his masterful century against New Zealand in Centurion that tied him with Herschelle Gibbs atop South Africa's all-time ODI ton scoring list.

Watching Amla scatter the Black Caps bowlers around SuperSport Park on his way to 124 from 126 balls was like seeing a cardiac surgeon at work.

It took Amla less than half the matches it took Gibbs to get to century number 21 (119).

"There's not much more to say about Hash. I don't know how he does it. He is an incredible cricket player and as long as he is in my team, I'm very happy," the Proteas captain said.

"I can't find enough words to praise the guy. Hopefully he can play for another 10 to 15 years, if possible.

"He is miles ahead of me in average and scoring runs up the order and he is incredible as an opening batsman."

Although he gushed over Amla's undulating brilliance, the skipper was disappointed with the way they went about defending their score of 304-7.

The fielding was sloppy from the get go. First Farhaan Behardien dropped Tom Latham first ball during an eventful Dale Steyn opening over, then David Wiese put down Luke Ronchi at second slip in the same over.

"That Dale Steyn first over summed up the way we were lackadaisical in the field," said De Villiers.

"I don't think we had a good night with the ball in hand. Maybe our skills were pretty good but our energy was lacking and we were missing that spark.

"We lacked the intensity and the Protea Fire we are always taking about, and that's disappointing. We need to work on that before Sunday."

The Proteas next face the Kiwis in Potchefstroom on Sunday in the second of three one- day internationals.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.