World Cup 2023: South Africa weren’t good enough, says Rob Walter after shock defeat to Netherlands

South Africa coach Rob Walter admitted that his team wasn’t up to the mark in their shock 38-run defeat at the hands of the Netherlands in the World Cup 2023 contest on October 17 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala.

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After opting to field first, the Proteas were on top of the Dutch team, having reduced their opponents to 82 for five in 20.5 overs. But from there on, South Africa lost their way as Scott Edwards and Co. clawed their way back.

Walter said that it was in the second-half of the Netherlands’ innings that the Proteas lost their way.

“I guess that’s why we love sport. Four days ago, we played outstandingly well, and then today, not well. So yeah, you can pick apart results like that. Just ultimately, we weren’t good enough, specifically at the back end of the innings. And then at the start with the bat, and we put us on the back foot,” Walter said in the post-match press conference.

After being asked to chase down a tricky target of 246 in 43 overs, Temba Bavuma’s South Africa were bowled out for 207 in 42.5 overs.

“As I said before the World Cup started, I don’t think there are any weak teams in this tournament. And if you’re not switched on and you don’t win the key moments in the game, you find yourself on the wrong side of the result. We learned that today,” he stated.

Walter said that South Africa will go back to the drawing board before facing England in their next group game on October 21 at the Wankhede Stadium.

“Look, I mean, obviously we’ll sit and do a proper dissection of the game, but for me, it’s really what do you take from this game that makes you better next game? And that’s ultimately the question we ask ourselves after every game,” Walter added.