Suryakumar reaffirmed his status as the world’s number one T20 hitter with another magnificent effort as India crushed Zimbabwe by 71 runs to set up a T20 World Cup semi-final date with England.
“The dugout can be really comfortable when he hits, and he shows a lot of composure when he hits. We expected that from him, and he got stronger and stronger,” said said Rohit during the post-match presentation ceremony.
Suryakumar hit an unbeaten 61 on 25 balls after KL Rahul install it with a quick fifty.
In response to India’s 186 for five, Zimbabwe were knocked out for 115 in 17.2 overs.
“What SKY does for the team is remarkable, just coming out there, playing that way, taking the pressure off of others. We know his abilities, and that allows the guy on the other end to take his time,” Rohit added.
Zimbabwe’s striking depth was never enough to challenge the Indian bowlers with Ravichandran Ashwin (3/22) enjoying a good day at the office. In fact, every other Indian bowler was among the wickets in one of the most lopsided games in this global event.
“A really good overall performance, something we were looking for. We had qualified, but we wanted to go out and play the way we wanted, which we achieved.”
Rohit said ahead of the Adelaide Ring semi-finals the key would be to adapt quickly to the conditions.
“The key for us will be to adapt quickly to the conditions. We played a game there, but we have to adapt quickly. England are a good team, and it will be a great game.
“We should be proud to qualify, first of all, and if we play this semi-final well, we also have another big game. It’s about understanding the lines and the lengths – the limits of the square are more short – and to execute well.
“The fans have been brilliant all this time, almost everywhere we went we were sold out, and we expect the same in the semi-finals as well. On behalf of the team, I would really like to thank them. . ”
While the cricketing world might be impressed with his game, player of the match Suryakumar said he was not trying anything different and only looking to perform what he was doing in practice during the match.
“I think the plan was very clear when Hardik and I were at bat. He said let’s take the positive route and see where we end up. We started hitting the ball well and never stopped until the 20th. The atmosphere in the team is very nice, and the accumulation of knockouts has been very pleasant.
“My plan is always clear. I don’t try anything different. I hit the same way into the net as well.”
Asked about his performance this year, Suryakumar said: “It’s really good, but coming out and starting from scratch is what I always think about when I go out at bat, and I will continue to do that. It’s good to see some people come out and support us like that even after we qualify.”
Zimbabwe skipper Craig Ervine says his side deviated from the positive approach that worked well for the team in the first half of the tournament when they also stunned Pakistan.
“I think maybe we could have changed a few other plans. Suryakumar was brilliant at the end, called off Richey’s wide yorkers which was our main plan. Maybe we could have changed our pace a bit more the low.
“Before the tournament we looked to be positive at the top, but the last 2-3 games we kind of strayed from there,” Ervine said.
Zimbabwe conceded up to 79 runs in the last five overs after taking a few wickets.
“The ball was swinging, but to counter that we probably could have moved around a bit, been more proactive.
“We mustn’t forget the work we’ve done to get into the Super 12s. We’ll be looking to build on that. Our grips weren’t that good in the last few games, but I know the boys have worked very hard on that,” the Zimbabwean captain said.
