South Africa’s inability to perform with bat and ball in the same game was their downfall at the World T20, says Hashim Amla.

South Africa have one game left on Monday against Sri Lanka before they head home having failed to reach the play-offs after defeats to England and West Indies in the group stage.

While the batsmen fired and the bowlers struggled in the games against England and Afghanistan, the situation was reversed against West Indies where the batsmen failed and the bowlers were better.

Amla faced the media on Sunday and despite questions about performances of individuals and team selections, he didn’t overthink things when trying to analyse where things went wrong.

‘It’s an unfortunate position that we find ourselves in,’ he said. We certainly haven’t played our best cricket. We haven’t had a game where our batting and our bowling has clicked in the same game consistently enough, and I think that has been our biggest downfall.’

While Amla is not wrong, that simple explanation won’t prevent the critics from going after the team, with the pressure on coach Russell Domingo mounting after one of the worst summers in recent history.

The World Cup disappointment brings to and end a disappointing and hugely underperforming time for the Proteas, but there will be little time to reflect as many of them stay behind in India for the IPL.

Amla said it was still the desire of the senior players to win an ICC tournament as they will now refocus that ambition to next year’s Champions Trophy in England.

‘A lot of us are extremely keen to keep playing international cricket,’ Amla said. ‘It’s something we’ve enjoyed. A lot of us feel like we’ve got a few more years left in us.

‘It would be great if we can make it to the next 50-over World Cup – that would be ideal. But first we’ve got a Champions Trophy next year. As long as you are fit and healthy and scoring runs and you warrant your place in the team then hopefully you can make it.’