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Daily Maverick
23-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
Proteas prepare for T20 tri-series final despite not firing on all cylinders
South Africa have struggled with bat and ball in patches in Zimbabwe and will need to be at their best to overcome a powerful New Zealand outfit. The Proteas are through to the T20 tri-series final against New Zealand on Saturday, but they haven't played close to their best cricket thus far. South Africa have won two of their four matches in Zimbabwe – five- and seven-wicket victories against the hosts, and two thumping defeats, falling by 21 runs and seven wickets to the Black Caps. It's been an extremely inconsistent start to Shukri Conrad's tenure as national white-ball coach, who is overseeing the side in the shortest format for the first time. South Africa's current T20 squad is filled with youngsters getting to grips with the rigours of international cricket alongside fringe players in the regular T20 squad. Only opening batter Reeza Hendricks and fast bowler Gerald Coetzee were part of the squad that took part in the T20 World Cup last year, with Conrad opting to rest his all-format players for the tour. New Zealand, meanwhile, have come out guns blazing with a side that's very close to their best, and thoroughly displayed their superiority with a four and zero record across their four matches. South Africa's task in the final in Harare will be tough. Bowling front All three sides have struggled with the bat in the powerplay, with the decks at Harare Sports Club proving largely turgid for batting. For this reason, every side that has won the toss has opted to bowl first. 'I don't think it decides the game but it seems to be a big part… the toss is definitely important,' Hendricks said after South Africa's seven-wicket defeat to New Zealand on Tuesday. Despite this, South Africa still failed to chase down the Black Caps' score of 173 in their first meeting, after putting them into bat, scraping together only 152 runs before being bowled out. A fairly strong bowling attack, consisting of Lungi Ngidi, Kwena Maphaka, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, George Linde and Senuran Muthusamy, were all dealt with on a helpful wicket in Harare. 'The margins are just smaller when you come up against a team like New Zealand,' all-rounder Bosch said. Conrad has opted to rotate his side, with left-arm quick Nandre Burger, leg-spinner Nqabayomzi Peter and all-rounder Andile Simelane introduced sporadically across the series. 'Shuks is trying to find the best combinations,' Bosch explained. 'The goal at the end of the day is for the T20 World Cup coming up next year. He's trying to fine-tune all the combinations. 'This is his first white-ball tour as head coach, he's also trying to find his feet in that sense. 'He's meticulously planning how he wants to go about his teams and how he plans to set up his team moving forward – looking ahead to the T20 World Cup. 'He's trying to find the best combinations for bowlers and batters. He's doing a good job so far, everyone is buying into his plans, so we're in a good space.' Batting woes On the batting front, Rubin Hermann – who made his international debut at the start of the series – has been the most impressive. The powerful southpaw has scores of 45, 1, 63 and 10 in his first four international innings. But while he's mainly come to the crease in the middle order, it's up top where the runs have been dry. South Africa's highest score by an opener on the tour came yesterday against New Zealand when Hendricks scored 41 off 37 deliveries as the Proteas reached 134 for eight in their 20 overs. That target was chased with 4.5 overs to spare. The explosive Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who made his T20I debut after making his Test debut in the same country last month, has also failed to come to grips with the conditions. The 19-year-old had scores of 0, 27 and four at the top of the order before he was shifted down to number five in the hope he would find batting easier in the middle period. He only managed one off six balls after scooping a Mitchell Santner drag-down straight to the fielder at short fine leg. Youngster Dewald Brevis had a solid opening few knocks with scores of 41, 35 and an undefeated 13, but was attacked with a barrage of short balls against New Zealand and seemed unable to get out of first gear as he scored a run-a-ball 13. Whoever Conrad selects to open the batting for Proteas will have a tough task on their hands, but they will need to succeed for the side to have a chance of beating the rollicking Black Caps. 'We'll have to rock up fresh and put our best foot forward,' Hendricks said. The bowlers will also have their work cut out against the Black Caps who have chased easily against South Africa and Zimbabwe so far and on the one occasion they were put into bat, scored 173 runs – the highest score across the five matches played so far. DM
The Herald
17-07-2025
- Sport
- The Herald
Error-ridden Proteas downed by efficient New Zealand
The Proteas, who made three changes to the side that defeated Zimbabwe in the competition's opening match on Monday, chose to field and dominated the first half of the New Zealand innings. Excellent use of the short ball by Kwena Maphaka and Gerald Coetzee — the latter playing his first international since the Test in Durban last November against Sri Lanka — picked up the wickets of Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell respectively. Making his T20 International debut, Senuran Muthusamy claimed the wicket of Mitchell Hay and when Maphaka had Jimmy Neesham caught in the deep for a duck, the Proteas had control of the innings. However Robinson, who is looking to establish himself in New Zealand's T20 side, stayed calm and in Jacobs found a teammate willing to show the requisite patience as they gradually grew accustomed to a surface that was slow, but where scoring was possible once batters were acclimatised. The Proteas also overdid use of the short ball especially in the latter stages of the New Zealand innings, with both of the Kiwi batters comfortably taking twos to the longer boundary at the Harare Sports Club. As South Africa faltered, bowling a total of 13 wides, Robinson and Jacobs grew in confidence. The former registered his second T20 International half-century eventually finishing unbeaten on 75, facing 57 balls and hitting six fours and three sixes. Jacobs made 44 off 30 balls, with three sixes and just one four. South Africa conceded 63 runs in the last five overs. Muthusamy was the best of the Proteas bowling conceding 19 runs in four overs and the fact that George Linde only bowled one over is a part of the strategy that will be debated in the post-match debrief. In contrast both of New Zealand's spinners, Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner completed their full complement of overs, conceding a combined 70 runs and picking up three wickets.
TimesLIVE
16-07-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Error-ridden Proteas downed by efficient New Zealand
SA paid the price for a sloppy display with ball and then bat, slumping to a 21-run defeat against New Zealand in their second match of the triangular T20 series in Harare. The Black Caps recovered from 74/5 halfway through their innings, to register 173/5, thanks to an unbeaten sixth wicket partnership worth 103 between Tim Robinson and debutant Bevon Jacobs. Despite some thrilling hitting by Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Dewald Brevis, the Proteas's innings lacked rhythm with too many batters throwing their wickets away. Their skipper Rassie van der Dussen wasn't too bothered however. 'We just couldn't get it together with the bat,' said Van der Dussen, who is standing in for Aiden Markram, who is on an extended break after the World Test Championship final. 'There is a certain way that we want to play and you have to take the rough with the smooth. You have to accept that you will get it wrong sometimes, which is why these series' are there, to try different things and different guys and hone in on a game plan we want to execute. So sometimes you get it wrong, but that's fine.' Gerald Coetzee is in the game 🇿🇦💥 The @ProteasMenCSA take their third of the match 🏏 📺 Stream #SAvNZL on DStv: — SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) July 16, 2025 The Proteas, who made three changes to the side that defeated Zimbabwe in the competition's opening match on Monday, chose to field and dominated the first half of the New Zealand innings. Excellent use of the short ball by Kwena Maphaka and Gerald Coetzee — the latter playing his first international since the Test in Durban last November against Sri Lanka — picked up the wickets of Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell respectively. Making his T20 International debut, Senuran Muthusamy claimed the wicket of Mitchell Hay and when Maphaka had Jimmy Neesham caught in the deep for a duck, the Proteas had control of the innings. However Robinson, who is looking to establish himself in New Zealand's T20 side, stayed calm and in Jacobs found a teammate willing to show the requisite patience as they gradually grew accustomed to a surface that was slow, but where scoring was possible once batters were acclimatised. The Proteas also overdid use of the short ball especially in the latter stages of the NZ innings, with both of the Kiwi batters comfortably taking twos to the longer boundary at the Harare Sports Club. As SA faltered, bowling a total of 13 wides, Robinson and Jacobs grew in confidence. The former registered his second T20 International half-century eventually finishing unbeaten on 75, facing 57 balls and hitting six fours and three sixes. Jacobs made 44 off 30 balls, with three sixes and just one four. SA conceded 63 runs in the last five overs. Muthusamy was the best of the Proteas bowling conceding 19 runs in four overs and the fact that George Linde only bowled one over is a part of the strategy that will be debated in the post-match debrief. In contrast both of New Zealand's spinners, Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner completed their full complement of overs, conceding a combined 70 runs and picking up three wickets. Dewald Brevis sends it flying 🫨✈️ South Africa are 101/6 after 12 overs ➡️ 📺 Stream #SAvNZL on DStv: — SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) July 16, 2025 Pretorius smashed 22 off only 16 balls, with four boundaries, but was outfoxed by an off-cutter from Matt Henry. After Rubin Hermann, became another top order victim of the short ball, there was the surprising decision to elevate Muthusamy to the no.4 spot. Most likely it was to keep a left/right combination going, but Muthusamy battled to find the boundary in the power play or even locate gaps for twos, scoring just seven off nine balls before being bowled by Sodhi. Reeza Hendricks played back when he should have been forward to Santner and was bowled for 16 and then Rassie van der Dussen was run out after a mix up with Brevis. Following his momentum changing 41 against Zimbabwe, Brevis was in the mood to do the same to the Kiwis hitting three sixes — including a stunning strike over extra cover against Henry — in his innings of 35. But the Black Caps seamer had the last laugh when Brevis was caught on the long-on boundary at the end of that over. Linde and Coetzee added 37 off 27 balls to briefly revive the Proteas hopes, but those were eventually snuffed out by Henry and the impressive Jacob Duffy, who finished with 3/20 as SA were bowled out for 152 in the penultimate over.
The Citizen
12-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Gerald Coetzee ‘excited' and ready to return for Proteas in T20 tri-series
Coetzee will form part of the frontline attack against Zimbabwe and New Zealand. Returning to international action after an eight-month injury hiatus, fast bowler Gerald Coetzee is confident he can produce his best in the T20 tri-series against Zimbabwe and New Zealand in Harare starting on Monday. Coetzee, who last played for the Proteas in November last year, said on Saturday he was fit and ready to hit his straps as part of the frontline attack. 'I'm feeling really good. I'm very happy to be back at the Proteas,' said the 24-year-old speedster. 'It's been a while and I've obviously been working towards that ever since I left, so I'm excited to go do my best.' Blend of youth and experience While four players in the 14-man squad will be hoping to make their T20 International debuts – Corbin Bosch, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Rubin Hermann and Senuran Muthusamy – the Proteas also have experienced players in the squad. With this balance, Coetzee believed the Proteas could not only win the tri-series but could go unbeaten throughout the two-week campaign. 'I think our expectation is to do well, to win every game. We've got a young side with some experience, so it's a great balance,' he said. 'It's definitely a building phase, but we have no doubt we can go five out of five, or at least win this tri-series.' Up against former coach The series will be Shukri Conrad's first assignment as head coach of the Proteas T20 team. And though the man he replaced at the helm, Rob Walter, will be in charge of New Zealand, Coetzee did not foresee any issues around the national squad going up against their former coach. 'In the landscape right now, you play under different coaches all the time, so I think seeing him (Walter) you just say 'hello'. We get on well and I'm happy for him to have a good job,' Coetzee said. South Africa will play at least four matches in the T20 International tri-series, starting with a clash against hosts Zimbabwe on Monday, and potentially a fifth if they reach the final to be held on 26 July.
IOL News
12-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Gerald Coetzee raring to go for the Proteas across all formats after 'a tough few months'
Proteas fast bowler Gerald Coetzee is back to full fitness and will be making a comeback in the T20I Tri-Series in Zimbabwe. Picture: Phill Magakoe/AFP Image: AFP Gerald Coetzee admits he suffered from 'FOMO' after missing the Proteas' World Test Championship Final success at Lord's and that he remains committed to playing all formats. The 24-year-old fast bowler has been plagued by various injuries over the past two years, and is set to embark on his latest comeback to the national team during the upcoming T20I Tri-Series against hosts Zimbabwe and New Zealand starting on Monday in Harare. Coetzee last played for Proteas back in November when he picked up 'a groin niggle" whilst bowling in the second innings of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Kingsmead. Scans later revealed that the damage was greater than initially expected with Coetzee being ruled out of the remainder of the home international summer. He returned to play a single match for the Joburg Super Kings during the SA20 before a left hamstring strain curtailed his participation in South Africa's premier domestic competition. There was renewed hope in February that Coetzee could return for the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan, but after experiencing tightness in his groin while completing his 10 overs at the Centre of Excellence in Pretoria, the Proteas medical team ruled that the symptoms posed an increased risk of significant injury at a higher bowling load forcing the young tearaway to spend further time on the sidelines. Coetzee's road to recovery has since involved playing four matches in the IPL for Gujarat Titans back in April and now five successive matches for Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket the past month. The Proteas have already seen fellow injury-prone fast bowler Anrich Nortje opt out of Test cricket to preserve his fragile body for the white-ball formats, but Coetzee has adopted a philosophical approach and believes he still has plenty to offer in all formats of the game. 'I think what I do is for a living, being a fast bowler, I think I've come to understand what happens to us. And it has been a tough few months. But I'm not someone who stands out in that sense. 'I think if you look at the landscape of all the bowlers who bowl high 140s, you know, we all struggle with injuries occasionally. So it's been tough, but I understand the process. I understand what it requires,' Coetzee said. 'I love red ball cricket too much. And I also love one day cricket. I think T20 cricket is just what's most accessible to us. So that's usually when we get a chance to play something, it's been T20 cricket. 'But I love red ball cricket. All my goals I've set for myself are mostly red-ball cricket related. So I love it too much.' The Proteas' WTC Final success over Australia at Lord's certainly fuelled Coetzee's desire to get back into the Test side. 'I think anyone with a very competitive nature, you know, there was definitely FOMO, but I couldn't stop watching. I was so happy when we won,' he said. 'It was long overdue. I was very happy. You know, me not being there, I did have FOMO naturally.' Coetzee will most likely share the new-ball with fellow fast bowling returnee Nandre Burger, who has equally struggled with a lumbar stress fracture that limited his playing time for the Proteas. Burger has also begun his comeback trail via the MLC and will be eager to show that he is also fully recovered. The duo, of course, possess the X-factor of being able to bowl genuine quick which is a prize asset that needs to be treasured. Coetzee feels that despite their recent injury setbacks, neither will be holding back when they get the opportunity to be unleashed in the T20I Tri-Series. 'I think both of our nature is not to ease into anything,' he said. 'No, I think we're excited, man. We love cricket. 'We love playing for our country. And whenever we get an opportunity, it doesn't matter who the opposition is, you go out there and try and do your best. 'Like it's tough physically to bowl fast, but I love it. I enjoy it. And I do trust my body to keep doing that.'
