Lungi Ngidi: “It’s been amazing. It’s not something I’m used to so it overwhelmed me a bit”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

South Africa pace bowler Lungi Ngidi has expressed his gratitude in the wake of all the support he has received following his sensational debut.

In the second Test against India in Centurion, Ngidi took one wicket in the first innings, but when India were set a target of 287 to win, the 21-year-old stole the spotlight as he sliced through India’s batting line-up with a breathtaking six-wicket haul.

Not only did Ngidi receive the Man of the Match award for his figures of 6-39, but he also helped South Africa secure an unassailable 2-0 series lead going into the third and final Test in Johannesburg on January 24.

Following his sparkling performance in Centurion, Ngidi’s name spread like wildfire through the cricket community, and he reiterated that he is extremely thankful for all the messages of support he has received.

“It’s been amazing. It’s not something I’m used to so it overwhelmed me a bit,” Ngidi said on Thursday Night Live Show with Robert Marawa as quoted by Sport24. “I’m still trying to respond to everyone but it was just overwhelming at the time and it’s a very special moment. Even the press have been interviewing my parents, which hasn’t happened.”

The Durban native added that he and his family will forever treasure what occurred in the second Test against India.

“They were really happy. My mom was crying, she loves to pray so before the game she prayed to me on the phone,” he said. “It was just a very beautiful moment for my family, just to hear our surname being announced like that.”