CRICKET SOUTH AFRICA (CSA) today congratulated the Castle Lager Proteas on their predictable but still important victory in the one-off Test match against Zimbabwe which finished at the Harare Sports Club this afternoon with a day to spare.

“All Test matches are important but this win was key for the Proteas to retain their No. 1 ranking on the ICC Test Championship table,” commented CSA Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat. “Zimbabwe put up an expected tough fight for which they are to be commended and it shows that all teams are hard to beat under their own conditions regardless of their ranking.

“The Proteas once again – as they did in Sri Lanka – showed their ability to play the conditions that are placed in front of them and at times it may have looked unattractive but they got the job done with their typical determination.

“I would like to particularly congratulate our new cap, Dane Piedt, who was the joint leading wicket-taker with Dale Steyn in the match. This is no mean feat when you consider the calibre of our world-class bowling attack. A wonderful start to his career to have earned the Man of the Match award.

“Considering the need to develop cricket on our continent it was fitting to resume competition against our neighbours in the most significant format after a break of almost a decade.”