Tahir: I wanted that hat-trick

East London – SA spinner Imran Tahir ended the first Twenty20 International against Zimbabwe with a five-wicket haul, but it was telling that he still wished he “could have got the hattrick”.

Tahir dismissed Hamilton Masakadza (one) and Tarisai Musakanda (naught) in consecutive deliveries at the beginning of the fourth over, but there was to be no hattrick, with Brendan Taylor and Sean Williams steadying things thereafter.

Tahir (below) still ended with 5/23 in four overs – his career-best figures in T20Is – and helped restrict Zimbabwe to 126 in 17.2 overs after South Africa posted 160/6.

“I wish I could have got the hattrick,” he said. “[But] I am really pleased. I don’t take things for granted. It came out the way I wanted it to. Till I am doing well for the team, I am happy.”

Tahir also revealed he had been practising bowling with the new ball.

“I practice with old and new balls to be more accurate,” he admitted. “I have been bowling in T20Is with the new ball. I am learning to do it in ODIs [one-day internationals]. I am a firm believer that it is never too late to learn.”

Captain Faf du Plessis said they were delighted with Tahir’s form, but added management wanted him to replicate it in ODIs as well.

“He’s got a knack for taking wickets,” he said.

Du Plessis had other reasons to be happy – Rassie van der Dussen, 29, scored a 44-ball 56 in his international debut and formed the crux of two crucial partnerships for the home side.

“There was some dew and it tested us,” said Du Plessis. “[But] Rassie played really well. To have that composure was great for someone playing his first game.”

Zimbabwe had plenty of reasons to be disappointed. “We’re still not able to lay a foundation,” said captain Masakadza. “Batting is something we definitely need to work on.” – ANA