Seeing AB de Villiers bat is just like watching the character of Neo in The Matrix movie, according to South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn.
In The Matrix, Neo, played by Keanu Reeves, is transformed from an unassuming computer technician into someone who is revealed to have superhuman powers, be they fighting skills or an ability to dodge bullets.
Last week, in a World Cup match against the West Indies in Sydney, de Villiers smashed the fastest 150 in one-day international cricket during a 66-ball 162.
“Oh, man, it’s like watching The Matrix movie, really. There is Neo for you right there. Like he just doesn’t understand how good he is,” Steyn said Friday of the Proteas captain.
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“I think he’s actually figured out now that he is like — there is no roof or cap on how good he can possibly be. He’s limitless in what he can do. He’s one of those players that’s proven in this year especially just how good he is. I think he’s starting to realise that now.
“Players around the world, bowlers are struggling to find a way to get this guy out. The only way to get him out is when he gets himself out. He’s that good at the moment. Hopefully, we can see more players like him because it does make the game more entertaining to watch.”
Change in luck
Steyn also believes a good personal return in a World Cup match was just around the corner.
The Proteas will head into Saturday’s pool clash against Pakistan in Auckland with Steyn, widely regarded as the world’s best fast bowler, having taken just five wickets in four matches at the tournament.
Steyn, 31, has been overshadowed by Morne Morkel (nine wickets), leg-spinner Imran Tahir (nine) and Kyle Abbott (six in two matches) in South Africa’s three wins in four Pool B games.
South Africa will, however, still look to Steyn to exploit Pakistan’s top-order frailties at Eden Park.
And Steyn said he was not too far off his best form
“I don’t think I’ve bowled too badly. I think against Zimbabwe I actually wanted to bowl quite quick and run in and try to knock them over,” said Steyn of a match in which he had figures of one for 64 in nine overs.
“I just ignored that (basic) instinct, and just wanted to run in and blast them where it didn’t work. After that I think I got better and better.
“I haven’t taken the wickets that I want to take, but that’s the World Cup. In a World Cup you don’t have anywhere to hide.”
“There are only ten wickets to take, and when Imran takes five or Abbott takes four, there is not much for the other bowlers to take.
“So you have to do what you have to do in order for your team to win. I’m happy with that. I feel if we make our way all the way to the final, I’m due to have a good game somewhere in there.”
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