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Jesse Ryder hits out during his 42-ball 52. - Source: Photosport -
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Former New Zealand cricketer Craig McMillan has branded Jesse Ryder's tottering efforts to get a half-century "selfish", claiming Ryder should take most of the responsibility for the Black Caps' shock loss.
Ryder had eased to 48 from 27 deliveries as New Zealand seemed to be cruising to South Africa's 165, at 146 for three after 15.4 overs.
But he slowed up significantly as his milestone drew near, soaking up an over of dot balls to move from 49 to 50.
Though South Africa's bowling was tight in that period, and Ryder was visibly frustrated at not being able to pierce the infield, McMillan said the loss "falls squarely on [Ryder's] shoulders and he has to wear it."
"I've gone through it last night, the reasons why I thought we lost, and when you need 16 runs off four overs, which is 24 deliveries, you do it in a canter. You basically get bat on ball and you win easily," McMillan told Radiosport.
"The reason New Zealand lost their momentum in those last four overs is because Jesse Ryder was trying to get one run for his 50, it took nine deliveries to get that one run. It's always dangerous when you put yourself ahead of the team and I think that's what Jesse Ryder did last night."
The match was still in New Zealand's favour when Ryder exited attempting an ambitious scoop shot, but the New Zealand lower order failed to make the eight runs required for victory from seven balls, which usually is not a tough equation in Twenty20 cricket.
"Yes the others had opportunities to win the game in terms of Franklin, Southee, Bracewell, Nathan McCullum will all be disappointed they didn't bring New Zealand home," McMillan said. "But the reason that New Zealand were put in that position last night was because of Jesse Ryder's selfishness in trying to get to 50," McMillan added.
"He changed the way he was batting. As soon as he got to 49 he took nine balls trying to get a single. He actually took about six trying to get a single and then he hit the fielder and thought 'Well I better hit one out of the park because this just isn't working for me'. There was a couple of swings and misses and all of a sudden New Zealand are under pressure where they need seven off the last over."
"When you look at where we were in the game and where we ended up, I guess we faltered," McMillan said.
"We came under pressure and didn't measure up. Use whatever words you want but we didn't get the job done. It's bitterly disappointing."
