SA vs IND 2018: Suresh Raina Hopes to End the Tour on a High

It’s almost been two months since India in Cape Town to begin their tour of South Africa. The tour included three Test matches, 6 One-Day Internationals and two T20I’s.

With just one last match left where it all began on 5^th January, Team India will look to end the series on a high. The touring side lost the Test series 2-1 but won the ODI by a convincing margin of 5-1. They will now look to go back home with a 2-1 series win in the T20 format.

India won the first match by a comfortable margin of 28 runs, but the hosts made a remarkable comeback in the second match and chased down a big target of 188 with eight balls to go.

Raina who is making a comeback to the side has expressed his desire to finish the series on a high. He said:

“We have to finish really well. Our captain Virat Kohli is such that he doesn’t take anything for granted and that will be our approach in the final. Inputs have been given to everyone in the team by the team management and we need to go out there and enjoy ourselves. We need to do well in all the departments tomorrow and we will look for a win.” 

Raina also applauded the efforts of the South African batsmen who won the match for the hosts. The left-handed batsman said:

“They played really well in the previous game. JP Duminy took up the responsibility and finished well for the side. Klassen was great too, but the dew made a lot of difference. We know what we have to do and have our plans in place. It is going to be an exciting game tomorrow. Hopefully we can enjoy ourselves and get the trophy home.” 

Raina also thanked Indian skipper Virat Kohli for trust in him and promoted him up in the batting order:

“Virat has showed that faith in me in the last two games and we have been able to dominate their bowlers in the first six overs. In T20Is it is really important to start well. You have to play your shots at the top of the order. The first six overs are crucial. When you have batting depth in the middle-order, you need to take your chance. I have been asked to play my natural game and will continue to look to give good starts for the team.”

Raina also said that the final match would be an exciting contest between the two sides:

“I think 150 is the average total in Cape Town. We will go tomorrow and have a look at the pitch and then take it from there. We will look to watch the ball and hit in the right directions. I am sure we will do well.”

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