Lungi Ngidi continues to make his mark on the international stage as his sensational bowling helped South Africa bowl Zimbabwe out for just 117 runs in the first ODI in Kimberley.
The tall and imposing young bowler was relentless against the Zimbabweans as he picked up 3-19 in just over eight overs at an economy rate of 2.32 (including one maiden). Bowling at speeds in excess of 140kph, the smiling assassin terrorised the opposition with his pace and accuracy in some probing spells of fast bowling.
Ngidi opened the bowling alongside Kagiso Rabada (8-2-34-2) in a pace-packed, young and destructive opening partnership that has many cricket fans across South Africa extremely excited about the future of Proteas cricket.
The young man struck early in the innings, picking up the wicket of Solomon Mire with a full delivery outside off-stump, which the Zimbabwean opener duly edged to Reeza Hendricks at second slip. Ngidi didn’t stop there as he continued to restrict the opposition from scoring runs by bowling a consistent line and length throughout his spell.
He returned later in the innings to bag the wickets of Kyle Jarvis (after having dropped him earlier off a difficult caught and bowled chance) and dangerman Elton Chigumbura, who top-scored for the tourists with 27 off 37 balls, including four fours.
Ngidi has more than held his own on the international stage since making his ODI debut earlier this year and is definitely one of the many exciting young South African cricketers staking their claim in the Proteas team ahead of the Cricket World Cup in 2019.
PHOTO: Wikus de Wet/AFP/Getty Images
