DHAKA, July 1: A new-look South Africa vowed to put their World Cup heartache behind them today as they began their tour of Bangladesh, promising not to underestimate their in-form hosts.
“It is our first series after the World Cup so our players are coming nice and fresh over the World Cup disappointment,” the Proteas’ coach Russell Domingo told reporters in Dhaka, a day after the team arrived in Bangladesh.
Many of the team are playing their first series for South Africa, Domingo said, adding that he expected that to give the squad “great energy”.
“Eddie Leie is making his debut, Chris Morris is back. So I think (there is) a lot of energy and determination to do well and play for the country.”
While India, Pakistan and New Zealand have all lost recent ODI series in Bangladesh, Domingo said his charges enjoyed coming to the sub-continent.
“I think South Africa’s record in the subcontinent has been good in the recent past. We won against Sri Lanka. We won a series against India recently,” he said.
“The sub-continent seems to bring out the best out of South Africa.”
South Africa lost to co-hosts New Zealand by four wickets in the World Cup semi-final in a nail-biting finish in March in Auckland that left some of their players, including captain AB de Villiers, in tears.
Batsman Faf du Plessis will lead a Twenty20 side in Bangladesh for two matches next week before Hashim Amla takes over for three one-day internationals and two Tests.
The two T20 matches will be held at Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on July 5 and 7. (Agencies)
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