Proteas allrounder George Linde says they never once doubted Sisanda Magala after his horror first over in their six-wicket T20I win over Pakistan on Monday.
South Africa levelled the four-match series 1-1 heading into today’s third clash after Linde’s 3/23 helped restrict Pakistan to just 140/9 in their 20 overs.
Pakistan could have scored even fewer runs if Magala didn’t concede 18 runs in his first over – the 12th of the visitors’ innings.
Bowling 12 balls in the over, stuck on the first ball for five deliveries after three no balls and a wide, Magala would have wanted to bury his head in the sand after that.
But he bounced back in amazing style to concede just 14 runs in his next three overs – including five runs in the final over of the innings – for bowling figures of 1/32.
Linde, who then scored an unbeaten 20 runs to add to his wickets and three catches as SA hit back in the series, says they never doubted the 30-year-old Magala.
Linde explains: “I do believe he’s probably the best death bowler in the country. We weren’t about that first over, we knew what would come next.
“He knew what he had to do and corrected it, it showed his character… I’m very happy for him.”