Domingo questions Duckworth-Lewis method

Proteas coach Russell Domingo has questioned the legitimacy of the Duckworth-Lewis method after their rain-affected Cricket World Cup semi-final loss to New Zealand in Auckland.

The Proteas were going strong at 216/5 after 38 overs before rain intervened at Eden Park.When play resumed, the match was reduced to 43 overs per overs, with South Africa finishing on 281/5.According to the Duckworth-Lewis method, New Zealand’s target was adjusted to 298 in 43 overs, but the South African coach believes more should have been added to the target.

“Duckworth-Lewis has always favoured the team batting first, but we were surprised and disappointed that only 16 runs were added to our total,” Domingo told media.”When we played Pakistan (in a rain-affected group game) a few weeks ago, 10 runs were added to their total, even though they were bowled out with a few overs still remaining.I don’t really understand how we only got 6 more runs than them. It’s a complicated system and we were hoping at least 25 runs would have been added to our total.”

Minister of Sport and Recreation South Africa, Fikile Mbalula, noted the loss by the Proteas against New Zealand. “I speak to the entire Protea team with a deep sense of pride after the scintillating performance in the cricket world cup. Your performance on distant terrain is testimony of the Proteas’ no surrender spirit and demonstration of our South African indomitable winning spirit,” said Mbalula in a statement

“We stand together as a nation and salute you with outmost respect. You made us proud as a nation as you fought until the last minute. You are winners in my eyes and I am positive the whole nation agrees.To the captain, AB, well done for leading Proteas, we are not lying or being political correct when we say you lead one of the best cricket teams in the world.On behalf of the people of South Africa, receive my heartfelt gratitude for representing us so well,”  added Mbalula.