India vs South Africa 1st T20I: Hosts had enough runs after 7-wicket loss, says Pant
Team India captain Rishabh Pant feels his team lacked execution with the ball despite scoring enough runs to suffer a seven-wicket defeat at the hands of South Africa in the first T20I in New Delhi on Thursday (June 9). Following Ishan Kishan’s mammoth 211 for four on 76, Indian bowlers cut a sorry figure as South Africa posted their highest T20I run run in the format to end India’s 12-match winning streak. followed.
Rassie van der Dussen (75 not out) and David Miller (64 not out) shared an unbeaten 131 for the fourth wicket to give the visitors an easy win. “I think we had a lot on the board but we were off with our execution, but the credit goes to the opposition,” Pant said at the post-match press conference.
“We thought it was slow working when we were batting but it got easier in the second innings. We were very happy with the total but next time we are in a similar situation we will do better.
South African captain Temba Bavuma heaped praise on van der Dussen and Miller. “It was a proper batting performance. David (Miller) builds up his form, which is properly supported by Rasi (van der Dussen). It was a good wicket probably reading the situation better and (needing improvement) going on death options first and removing boundary balls.
“We have a lot of faith in Raasi. He takes it slowly and eventually takes it. He is the one who watches over us. With David, it makes it very explosive,” Bavuma said.
He is from 1st T20I.
South Africa won by 7 wickets and took a 1–0 lead in the 5-match series. #TeamIndia would like to make a comeback in the second T20I.
Scorecard – https://t.co/YOoyTQmu1p #INDvSA @Paytm pic.twitter.com/1raHnQf4rm
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 9, 2022
Bavuma said that he expected the wicket to play better in the second innings and hence decided to field after winning the toss. The visiting captain also praised Ishan Kishan.
“I think the way Ishaan batted, it made him easy. He put our spinners under pressure,” Bavuma said.
Miller, who was adjudged man of the match for his explosive innings, said his understanding of the game over the years has made him a better cricketer. “I think it’s a very tough job, understanding my game a lot better in the last four-five years,” he said.
“I’ve been around for some time now but understanding and winning games gives you a lot of confidence. Wherever I bat, I always want to do something different. No. 5 is the place now. I finished at No. 4 domestically. Have done well but with world class players, South Africa’s story is different. Happy to bat anywhere.”
(with PTI input)