'Need to win everything'

South Africa players play a game of rugby at the MA Aziz Stadium in Chittagong yesterday, ahead of their clash against lightweights the Netherlands today. Photo: Star

While the South Africa versus Holland fixture may not occupy centre-stage today, with a more exciting England-Sri Lanka contest scheduled for later this evening, there are two factors in this match that are likely to compel viewers to watch this game this afternoon.
The first would be Dale Steyn's magic. The pacer, by defending seven runs off the last six balls against New Zealand in the last game, added an entirely new dimension to T20 cricket, and mesmerised folks at the Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.
The second is Holland's possible revival after being demolished for the lowest ever T20I score by Sri Lanka. The Dutch have already surprised the world twice in this competition and apart from Peter Borren and co, nobody knows what they may come up with next.
The pre-match press conference for this game yesterday featured an excited Steyn seemingly fresh from his four-wicket haul in the last game. Describing his side's win against New Zealand as a bonus, Steyn believed that it changed the entire mood in the dressing room.
“Did I think I could win it. No! But we did. So that's a bonus. I think the camp would have been completely different for us had we lost the game. I think that would have been tickets for us. You got to be in form, it's really a small per cent thing,” said Steyn.
“We lost the first one and won the second. So that means we need to win everything right now. That's it,” he added.
Steyn also believed that the presence of Alan Donald in the side as bowling coach has helped boost the team.
“I think he will be the first one to tell you that he didn't play many T20s, but that doesn't takeaway experience of how to take away pressure. Although his expertise wasn't in T20s, he still played a lot international cricket, has handled pressure and gives us expert advice,” said Steyn.
The pacer's epic finish in the last game led to some in the media terming him as 'the special one', comparing him to football's Jose Mourinho, although the player did not coin the term himself.
When asked about it, an amused Steyn laughed for a bit before brushing aside the theory.
“Is that not supposed to be the coach? Russel Domengo is the special one, not me. I think he and Jose can get along well together,” laughed Steyn.
While it's all fun and games at the South African camp, the Dutch are trying their best to forget their embarrassing defeat and focus on the next game.
“We've done a bit of analysis and emotionally it was pretty tough. That evening, going back to the hotel, I think there were a few boys on suicide watch (laughs). But woke up the next morning feeling pretty good, like it might have been a nightmare,” said Borren.
We've had a little bit of time now, the boys have refocused and we're looking forward to making amends, showing we can play,” he added.