{"id":21303,"date":"2013-07-22T12:06:59","date_gmt":"2013-07-22T10:06:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/proteas-promise-to-improve\/"},"modified":"2013-07-22T12:06:59","modified_gmt":"2013-07-22T10:06:59","slug":"proteas-promise-to-improve","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/proteas-promise-to-improve\/","title":{"rendered":"Proteas promise to improve"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Sri Lanka\u2019s Kumar Sangakkara plays a shot during their first ODI against South Africa in Colombo July 20, 2013. Photo: Dinuka Liyanawatte \/ Reuters<\/p>\n

The Castle Lager Proteas<\/a> can look forward to what remains of the ODI<\/a> series against Sri Lanka<\/a> with the consolation that their performances can only improve, after their 180-run thrashing in the first match on Saturday in Colombo.<\/p>\n

The Proteas were outplayed in all disciplines, and will look to regroup ahead of the second match on Tuesday.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not going to panic,\u201d captain, AB de Villiers<\/a> said after the disappointing performance. \u201cI still believe that the series is wide open, I know how dangerous my team can be if we play well and do the basics well. I\u2019m disappointed with the way we played but I truly believe that we are going to bounce back in the next game.\u201d<\/p>\n

The bowlers gave away 137 runs in the last 11 overs, with Kumar Sangakkara taking full advantage to post his highest ODI score of 169. Morne Morkel<\/a> marked his return from injury with a solid performance of two for 34 in 10 overs, and was the highlight of a bowling performance that lacked accurate execution at the death.<\/p>\n

In response, the run chase was off to the worst possible start with the wicket of Colin Ingram<\/a> off the first ball of the innings. The absence of Hashim Amla<\/a> may have weakened the top order, however de Villiers insists greater responsibility was needed from the batsmen.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe lost wickets early on which was a problem,\u201d he said. \u201cWe had too many big shots going for boundaries instead of working the ball around. We never had a pace and a pattern of play with the bat in hand which was a big problem, there were no partnerships and we kept losing wickets at the wrong time.<\/p>\n

I can talk about all of the things that went wrong for hours, but I would like for us to put that aside and try to learn from it what we can, but more importantly try and make it one all in the next game.\u201d<\/p>\n

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