Champions Trophy 2013: De Villiers delighted with South Africa win
Champions Trophy 2013: South Africa captain AB de Villiers admits he was thrilled to beat Pakistan by an emphatic 67 runs
AB de Villiers admitted he was thrilled to beat Pakistan after South Africa secured a 67-run victory in the Champions Trophy.
Hashim Amla top scored for the Proteas with 81 runs as De Villiers’ side posted a score of 234-9 at Edgbaston.
In response, Pakistan could only muster a tame 167 which leaves them on the brink of elimination of the competition.
“A lot of things pleased me today, I am delighted with the victory,” said De Villiers.
“I thought we played some great cricket against India but we lost, so this makes this victory even sweeter.
“Not many teams would have been able to get 234 against that bowling attack like we did. We set ourselves up perfectly well to get 250 or 260 but we lost too many wickets.
He added: “A quick word for Chris Morris, who enjoyed a wonderful debut today.”
“Dale Steyn will most probably be ready for the next game, and when we get his injection into the team we will be even better.”
Meanwhile, South Africa’s man of the match Amla was delighted that the Proteas were able to beat a dangerous Pakistan side.
“The wicket was a bit difficult up front and they bowled quite well. Fortunately, we managed to get a few mini-partnerships going,” Amla said.
“It’s been tough going with the two new white balls, the wickets are offering a bit for the seamers. It’s a challenge to open the batting, but one we managed to see off.
“Any competition is won with a squad, not just 11. We’re missing some big guys, but we have a really good squad and it is an opportunity for all of us to do well.”
