South African skipper Temba Bavuma on Thursday (9th June) talked about the win his side registered in the first T20I against India in Delhi. He lauded the duo of David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen for their heroics.
South Africa pulled off an incredible chase to defeat India by 7 wickets in the first T20I to take a lead of 1-0 in the five-match series. Bowling first, after winning the toss, the visitors were at the receiving end of hammering by the hosts.
Ishan Kishan set the platform for his side with his brutal knock of 76 runs. Vital contributions from Ruturaj Gaikwad (23), Shreyas Iyer (36) and Rishabh Pant (29) made sure that momentum remained towards the Indian side. Hardik Pandya then blasted a 12-ball 31* in the end to help his side post a mammoth total of 211/4 on the board.
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Chasing the target South Africa lost skipper Bavuma (10), Dwaine Pretorius (29) and Quinton de Kock (22) for 81 runs. With Rassie van der Dussen also struggling to get going and a required a run rate well over 10, it almost seemed that India would complete a comfortable victory.
But David Miller came out all guns blazing and tonked Indian bowlers all over the park. He eased the pressure off Van der Dussen and kept his side in the hunt. The right-hander also found his mojo back and the duo together stitched an unbeaten 131 runs partnership for the fourth wicket to seal the match with 5 balls to spare.
Van der Dussen remained unbeaten on 75 while Miller scored 64* to end India's 12-match winning streak in the T20Is. This was also South Africa’s highest ever successful chase in the format.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Temba Bavuma said that it was a proper batting display by his side. He praised Miller for continuing his red hot form and also lauded Van der Dussen for supporting the southpaw well.
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He also talked about the wicket and addressed the areas they need to improve going into the next games.
"That was a proper batting display. David (Miller) carried his form, properly supported by Rassie (van der Dussen). It was a good wicket probably reading the situation better and (corrections needed) going to the death options earlier and taking away the boundary balls,” Temba Bavuma said.
Bavuma said that they have a lot of belief on Van der Dussen, who sees them through, and Miller with his explosive batting gives them a perfect combination in the middle.
The South African skipper also lauded Ishan Kishan for the way he batted and admitted that the southpaw put their spinners under pressure.
“We have a lot of belief on Rassie. He takes it slowly and takes it on at the end. He is the guy who sees us through. With David, makes it very explosive. I think the way Ishan batted, he made it look easy. He put our spinners under pressure, he said.
The second T20I between India and South Africa is slated to take place on 12th June in Cuttack.
(PTI inputs)
