The return of fast bowler, Lungi Ngidi, to the South African squad is being seen as a major boost for the team in the do or die match against New Zealand today. After suffering a hamstring injury, the pacer couldn't complete his bowling overs in his last match against Bangladesh, who beat the Proteas and derailed their ongoing World Cup campaign.
After clearing his fitness test on Monday, Ngidi, in an interview to ICC revealed what he and his team need to do to win matches.
"The one thing I have always been told by Ottis [Gibson, the coach] is holding my length and with the first game, it wasn't ideal for me up front," Ngidi said. "I didn't do that. I didn't execute the skill I am in the team to do. That would pretty much be it now, just making sure I am putting batsmen under pressure within the Powerplay, testing their techniques," the pacer added.
Ngidi along with pacer Kagiso Rabada form the crux of the South African fast bowling attack and the team’s journey relies upon the shoulders of both these young bowlers. Due to multiple injuries, Ngidi has been in and out of the side this year and also missed the 2019 Indian Premier League(IPL).
As per latest updates, after winning the toss and choosing to field first in today's match against New Zealand at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground, South Africa were at 74/2 in 21 overs.
While the unbeaten Black Caps remain unchanged for the clash, South Africa -- who have managed just one win from five games -- replaced Beuran Hendricks with Ngidi.
Playing XI:
South Africa: Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock (wicket-keeper), Aiden Markram, Faf du Plessis (Captain), Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Imran Tahir
New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson (Captain), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (wicket-keeper), James Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult
(With Agency inputs)