South African captain Faf du Plessis said his team was not firing on all cylinders after Sunday's demoralising 21-run Cricket World Cup loss to Bangladesh at The Oval, in London.
"At the moment we are firing around 50 to 60 percent and it showed. Even Bangladesh can beat that on any day," a crestfallen Du Plessis said after the match.
Du Plessis said several factors contributed to the side's demise.
"Obviously, today didn’t go according to plan. Once again, we had a hiccup at the start of the innings (a run out) and before that Lungi (Ngidi) getting injured.
"It was not ideal but even with that happening, I thought 330 was a little bit over par. Then when we got in, once again, everyone chipped in with the bat. All in all, it was not a great performance from us."
Some experts were surprised that Du Plessis turned down the chance to bat after winning the toss.
He was asked: "If you won the toss again, would you bowl first again?"
Du Plessis said with hindsight his decision would have been different.
"Looking back on it now, I would probably change that," said Du Plessis. "The thinking was that after speaking to all the local guys that have played here and the groundsmen, there was going to be more pace and bounce on offer.
"Obviously when you play against a subcontinent team - if they do get runs on the board, they can squeeze you. That is what happened today. So, in hindsight, I would probably change that decision.
The SA bowlers, without Ngidi to bowl at the end of the Bangladesh innings, came in for tap and a very damaging 54 runs were conceded in the final four overs.
"As I said, there were a few areas where we went grey today. We must take that on the chin, even with Lungi’s injury - he’s our go-to death bowler with KG (Kagiso Rabada).
"That said, even with that (setback), we went for far too many runs. I looked up at the screen towards the end at (their) 45 overs, I noticed we are at the same mark.
"So that shows after those last five overs were very bad. Before that, we were at the same mark (total).
Du Plessis said there was good and bad news on the injury front.
"Obviously, we came here with the fast bowling attack that we wanted to have. Now Lungi had a hamstring injury and we're not quite sure how serious that is, but obviously, hammies can mean a few days or weeks off.
"Dale (Steyn), he’s bowling out in the middle now. So hopefully there’s some progress there."
Looking at ahead to Wednesday's match against India at The Rose Bowl, Southampton, Du Plessis said the players will need to way out to strike better form.
"It’s definitely not getting easier. South Africa is a very proud sporting nation," said Du Plessis.
"The skills weren’t there today but I can promise you that there will be fights (hard words said). So the guys will make sure that they will get back into practice and try to make it right."
Batsman Hashim Amla who is recovering from a head knock and Dale Steyn, battling with a shoulder injury are doubtful starters for Wednesday's match.
African News Agency