Nice to get some sort of conditions in your favour for a change: Maharaj

South Africa hammered Sri Lanka in their opening encounter of the 2024 T20 World Cup but their next game is against their bogey team, the Netherlands. The Men in Orange not only defeated the Proteas in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia but also got the better of them in the ODI World Cup in India last year.

South Africa’s left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, however, isn’t too worried about what has happened in the past. “I think we've obviously got a new regime of coaches so they've brought fresh ideas to the table and the boys are ready to go,” said Maharaj ahead of the game against the Netherlands on June 8 (Saturday).

“I think we've come with a lot of confidence from the previous game but it is a new game which is going back to the drawing board, repeating our processes and plans, and hopefully, it's enough to take on the Netherlands team tomorrow.”

There is also a strong South African influence in the Netherlands team starting with head coach Ryan Cook. “Hard for me to say. I'm not in the dressing room. But I think probably having some knowledge on the local players and conditions might have helped. 

“Obviously, they've got a strong South African contingent within their players and support staff, so I'm sure they're trying to pick their brains as much as possible.”

Talking about the environment in the dressing room, the left-arm spinner said: “I think the boys are really excited with obviously getting the first one out the way putting quite a clinical performance in some difficult conditions, but we found a way through it which is really important. 

“I think the way in which we stuck through to our processes during the game was really outstanding. It's a different energy and mood in this camp. And you can see that translating on the field. Everyone's happy with one another's successes. And the enjoyment factor propels us to execute our plans and processes on the field.”

The surfaces in this World Cup have been tough for batting but Maharaj isn’t complaining. “I think the seamers are licking their lips. If you look at the last six months, it has been really high scores you know. So, it's nice to get some sort of conditions in your favour for a change.

“I just try to utilize conditions and obviously play my part in the bowling attack whilst the seamers were striking from the other end.”

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