Modest Magala downplays role in Proteas historic victory

South Africa bagged a 27-run win after bowling the Poms out for 271 in what was a tense affair after the visitors put up a 146-run opening stand between Jason Roy (113) and Dawid Malan (59).

It was Magala's introduction to the attack that gave the Proteas the all-important breakthrough before he went on to claim figures of 3-46 in nine overs to claim the man of the match award.

This was the first time SA beat England in Bloem, but the 32-year-old preferred the spotlight be on the team's performance.

"To be honest with you, I didn't know those stats. At the end of the day, when I play cricket, I just want to contribute as much as I can towards the team winning," Magala told the media.

"So, if I played a hand in that [history], I'm happy AF [sic]. In that situation, ja, the most important thing... it's a bit pointless getting runs and getting wickets but the team is losing.

"You have to try and get the team over the line as much as possible, as Rob [Walter] said in our meeting, it's important for us to win those key moments and I think we did that tonight, which was really good."

The opening stand between Roy and Malan had many feeling pessimistic as the English 'Bazball' brand ripped through the Proteas bowling attack, before skipper Temba Bavuma handed Magala the ball in the 18th over.

"I was a little bit nervous, I won't lie, considering how England play and their style and brand [of cricket], so ja, I was very nervous but also excited. I just wanted to let that first ball go then everything would be alright," he admitted.

It was somewhat of a surprise to see Magala come into the attack so late, being adept at taking the new ball with the Lions on the domestic scene, but he says the flexibility of the tactics was spot on by Bavuma.

"I'm not saying I expected that but it is part of the game. I think it's important for us as players to be able to adapt on the fly and be flexible in whatever approach you may have because it's not about [you]," said Magala.

"I think the worst thing that could happen is always having a fixed plan and then teams could plan a bit better against you, so I think us being flexible in that regard actually worked well for us, but maybe Sunday it won't be the same thing, it might be a different tactic.

"So, as we said, we go according to the pitch, according to the match situation and what the game needs at that specific time, and then [it's for] us as players just to be ready and be as flexible as possible – I'd probably say that, ja."