Hashim Amla is like a rock: Rilee Rossouw
Rilee Rossouw and Hashim Amla put on a record partnership for the third wicket in South Africa’s victory over West Indies in the fifth One-Day International (ODI) of the 5-match series. After the match, Rossouw paid tribute to Amla for helping him through the innings and securing a 131-run win to help South Africa seal the series 4-1.
South Africa were struggling at 59/2 when the duo began their partnership. They both scored centuries as they scored a record 247 runs for the third wicket. Rossouw registered his highest score – 132 – in ODIs, while Amla finished with a solitary run more (133).
It was Rossouw's second century of the series as he recorded his biggest score (132) since making his one-day international debut in August 2014.
“Amla makes me very calm”
The 25-year-old explained the role Amla played throughout his innings, while scoring runs at the same time.
“Amla's like a rock and he makes me very calm at the other end,” Rossouw said in his post-match interview.
"It's very emotional for me and anyone scoring a hundred for his country will be emotional. I was feeling very relaxed and just in the zone and calm before the match. I've worked hard and lucky that it came off
“I try to be little disciplined initially and my natural game takes over later on. It doesn't matter how long it takes for a hundred as long as you get it.”
West Indies Captain Jason Holder admitted that his side were inconsistent and not bowling well. He said that the batsmen need to take on more responsibility and bat longer.
“We just let it slip in the middle and we didn't really bowl well,” he said. “I've learn a lot, we weren't consistent and lost wickets at regular intervals. Our batsmen need to take responsibility and they need to bat till the end.
“A few guys will be coming in for the World Cup and I'm very confident of our chances. A lot of guys came here for the first time and it was a good learning tour.”