Sports

‘It Was a Game of Millimetres’: Conrad Gutted After Proteas’ Narrow Defeat

Published

2 months ago

July 28, 2025

Chiraag

Shukri Conrad reaction, Dewald Brevis cricket, Proteas narrow loss, tri-series final South Africa, Reeza Hendricks 2025, Harare match photos, New Zealand death bowling, Proteas fielding effort, Joburg ETC

A dramatic final over in Harare leaves South Africa’s coach reflecting on what could’ve been

There are few things more painful in cricket than being that close to the finish line and falling short by inches. Just ask Proteas red-ball coach Shukri Conrad, who was left shaking his head after South Africa’s narrow three-run loss to New Zealand in the tri-series final at Harare Sports Club on Sunday.

With seven runs needed off the final over and young Dewald Brevis still at the crease, South Africans watching at home might have already been celebrating. But cricket, as it so often does, flipped the script.

When final overs feel like heartbreak

New Zealand’s Matt Henry pulled off a death bowling clinic, freezing the Proteas under pressure. Even the usually explosive Brevis, who had smashed his way to 31 off just 16 deliveries, couldn’t find the boundary in those last few balls.

“The margins were razor thin,” Conrad admitted in the post-match reaction. “We needed seven from six. You’d back yourself, especially with a batter like Brevis at the crease. But he found the toe end instead of the middle.”

In the end, a dot ball faced by Senuran Muthusamy sealed South Africa’s fate. Henry’s mix of pace, control, and cunning, backed by exceptional fielding, turned the final over into a masterclass.

Brevis: The prodigy with power

Despite the disappointment, Conrad had nothing but admiration for Brevis. The 21-year-old has quickly built a reputation for clean hitting, flair, and an ice-cold presence at the crease.

“Brevis is a rare talent. On another day, that ball goes out of Harare, and we win,” Conrad said. “He’s one of the sweetest strikers of the ball around today.”

It’s hard to argue with that. Brevis is part of a fresh generation of South African cricketers redefining flair and aggression, and despite Sunday’s result, fans on social media were quick to rally behind him, with one fan posting, “This kid is box office. Win or lose, I’d watch him all day.”

Reeza’s quiet resistance

Reeza Hendricks also earned a nod from the coach. The veteran opener scored a calm 37, solidifying his reputation as one of South Africa’s most consistent white-ball players, even though he was recently left out of the squad for the Australian tour.

“It’s tough, but I’ve opted for Markram and Rickelton as my top order,” Conrad explained. “Still, Reeza showed great maturity. He always does.”

Not all doom and gloom

While Conrad was visibly frustrated, he noted progress in areas that had previously been a concern. South Africa’s bowling unit managed to restrict New Zealand to a defendable 180, and the fielding effort, often a sore spot, was noticeably improved.

“There were boxes ticked. We’ve worked hard on our fielding, and I think we showed that today,” he added.

What now for the Proteas?

Losses like these sting, but they also forge the resilience that defines strong teams. With fresh talent like Brevis and the steady hand of players like Hendricks, South Africa’s white-ball future still looks promising.

And for Conrad? He’s already plotting the next move. “We’ll take the learnings. But we’re closer than people think.”