Tristan Stubbs. (Photo Source: Twitter)
South Africa A clinched the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka A, winning the first and third games of the series. The third ODI saw South Africa A aiming to chase down a target of 173 runs. 22-year-old Tristan Stubbs was the highest run-getter for his side following his unbeaten knock of 58 runs in 93 deliveries.
His knock helped South Africa A score 175 runs with the loss of five wickets, winning the game and the series as well. Being the star of the game, Tristan Stubbs came forward to give his take on his performance.
The 22-year-old opined that the format of the game is closer to that of first-class cricket. He even went on to compare the 50-over format to the T20 format as well. He also stated that he enjoys taking his time to build the innings.
“It’s closer to first-class cricket where you’ve got to bat time; I haven’t played a lot of 50-over cricket, but in this format, you absorb pressure and then apply pressure. T20 cricket, you have to make a play almost every ball, but in 50-over cricket and first-class cricket, you can just bat time, and that’s what I have really enjoyed doing,” Tristan Stubbs told ESPNcricinfo.
It’s been cool to spend some time in the middle: Stubbs
Furthermore, Stubbs also reflected on his time in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. Representing the five-time champions Mumbai Indians, Stubbs got minimal playing time in the IPL 2023. Competing in just two matches, the 22-year-old only managed to score 25 runs.
“It [the IPL] was an awesome tournament to be a part of, whether you are playing or not. And Mumbai made the semi-finals, so I got to experience a semi-final with 100,000 people, which was pretty cool, but I hadn’t played in a couple of months, so getting some game time now is good. It’s been cool to spend some time in the middle and bat again,” Stubbs said.