ICC T20 WORLD CUP 2021

October 25, 2021

Vernon Philander

Dubai International Stadium

South Africa

Pre Match Media Conference

VERNON PHILANDER: Yesterday obviously brilliant performance by the team. I think it also comes on the back of some hard work the last two and a half weeks. Obviously all the way in Pakistan, to set things up, and then it just continued.

So the boys are in a good space. Brilliant start last night.

Q. How important would it be to keep the team grounded after a stupendous brilliant win against a dangerous team like New Zealand?

VERNON PHILANDER: Absolutely it's a valid point you are making. We had a meeting earlier. Highlighted the importance of really staying grounded. And last night was a massive win for all boys. Make no mistake about it.

But we've also got a tournament obviously at hand and the boys will stay focused. Really today's talk was really about putting last night behind us and focus on what's obviously to come tomorrow. Tomorrow's going to be another big game. And hopefully the boys will reset and be ready and focused for tomorrow.

Q. Though we have achieved a massive big win against India, there were some loopholes when it comes to Hasan Ali bowling, conceding too many runs. What are your plans for tomorrow's bat against New Zealand? Will you go for the same bowling options, or you have a different opinion going into that match?

VERNON PHILANDER: Look, I think the final 11 is completely up to the coach and the selection panel.

As far as Hasan is concerned, we know what a champion bowler he is. There's always going to be someone on the night that unfortunately cannot travel. But I think he's bowled really well. He's showed some good heart. Maybe just execution here and there that obviously wasn't on par.

But as from a general overall bowling performance, I think the boys did pretty well. It was a strong boundary he had to defend as well. Those things are quite tough and difficult at times, but in general and as a whole I think the boys bowled really well.

Q. Barber has said in his prepress conference that the teams are (indiscernible) by the bowling. Keeping in this mind, how much confident are you of your bowling lineup and just some words about change up of previous bowling yesterday?

VERNON PHILANDER: Giving them the freedom to strike and that's what we discussed. I think from my side the consistency do come in to play obviously. And, yeah, you want to encourage the guys to keep being positive, because obviously if you strike with a new bowl you're putting the team in the game. I'd encourage them to go with it. But of course for me consistency is important. But as we know bowlers do win the game in T20 cricket. We want to make sure they keep having a positive outlook on the game. And yes, hopefully we'll get a lot more cricket in the series.

Q. From your playing days until now, what is the difference you have seen in Pakistani team after that win over India?

VERNON PHILANDER: I think for me, having played against Pakistan over the years as well, I think the big thing that has been lacking is probably a little bit consistency. And we really want to highlight the intensity with which they play at. (Indiscernible) stepped up a gear, how they went about their business. For me it's really about making sure you play with good intensity and you really can keep it there for a long period of time. So I think for me probably boils down to intensity.

Q. Could you please talk us through all the three wickets that Shaheen took yesterday and also on the angle that we see the left-on pacers to create, which goes on to make life difficult for the batsmen?

VERNON PHILANDER: I think it's so wonderful as a team to have (indiscernible) and which identified his strength. Obviously to be able to bowl at a high place. Of course, the thing that we have to highlight is the lines with which he had bowled, which I think was fantastic last night.

He's such a wonderful talent. So you have to make sure you encourage him to keep doing what he's doing. But I think for a really long time, left-arm quicks have really lost probably that in-swinging ball, and I think it's such a great experiment of that intermediate bowl (indiscernible).

Q. You have been into the bowling coaching over the last two, three weeks. How good are Pakistani bowlers, how good learners they are, and how good are they progressing under your guidance?

VERNON PHILANDER: I think I've said it before, they're highly skilled bunch of bowlers. I've been watching your local T20 tournament in Pakistan as well. Still a lot of good quality seam bowlers in the system.

For me, it's quite a (indiscernible). But I think the guys have taken well to the way I want to do things. It all boils down to the working relationship of really trusting one another.

But I think from a skill point of view, probably some of the best I've ever seen and obviously come across. So it really excites me to be working with them and hopefully I can hopefully take them a step higher in their careers and hopefully for a long time to be successful with their own careers.

Q. Obviously your first experience the other night with Pakistan-India. Just what was that like and what was the experience been like in your new role?

VERNON PHILANDER: Probably no greater way to start it than with the India/Pakistan game. I think it was probably one of the biggest spectacles the cricket world will ever seen. Pakistan and India, such an amazing atmosphere to be part of it.

To come out on top, really puts a cherry on the cake. But I think for us as a squad as a whole, the guys have really prepared well.

And you could have sensed the calmness amongst the team, amongst the captain here. And it was a great spectacle, like I said, to be part of. And hopefully we can go from strength to strength and hopefully we can make the playoffs and hopefully into the final later on in the competition.