South African skipper Temba Bavuma expressed his happiness after his side defeated India in the first ODI in Paarl on Wednesday (January 19) and said that it was close to a perfect game for them.
South Africa displayed a sensational performance in the first ODI against India to go 1-0 up in the series. Batting first, after winning the toss, the hosts were in a spot of bother after they lost three wickets for just 68 runs.
However, skipper Temba Bavuma (110) and Rassie (129*) stood up for their team and notched up centuries to help their team post a total of 296 runs on the board.
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The Proteas then bowled exceptionally well and kept taking wickets at regular intervals as almost every bowler chipped in to win the match for their side by 31 runs.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, South African skipper Temba Bavuma said that it was close to the perfect game for the side and they can take a lot of confidence from it.
He revealed that he struggled throughout the innings and lauded Rassie van der Dussen, saying that it seemed that the right-handed was batting on another wicket.
"We played close to a perfect game, that's quite hard in 50-over cricket. We can take a lot of confidence. I struggled throughout the innings, Rassie seemed like batting on another wicket. That partnership was the decider. I tried to partner him as much as I could,” Temba Bavuma said.
Bavuma lauded Marco Jansen on his debut match, saying that the left-arm pacer is growing from strength to strength. He also praised Aiden Markram and Andile Phehlukwayo for their contributions with the ball.
“Another good debut for him (Jansen), we feel he can take wickets with the new ball. He's growing from strength to strength and it's nice to see. Aiden is always an option with the ball, especially with the new ball.
"He's been doing a fantastic job. Andile was good, “he understood the situation. He knew what he needed to do. He's a big player within the team. It's good to see him take charge. Spinners have been great,” he said.
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Temba Bavuma further said that they are trying to use Tabraiz Shamsi at the death and it’s coming off well for them. He expressed his delight in having Quinton de Kock back in the side, saying that the wicketkeeper-batter is a big player for them.
“Shamsi - we are trying to use him differently, using him at the death and he's doing it well. Spinners have been good. Nice to have Quinny back, nice to see him smile. He's a big player for me, he's a big player for the team, his energy and his experience helps us a lot," he said.
The second ODI between the teams will be played on 21st January at the same venue.
(ANI inputs)
