IND vs SA: We Didn't Expect The Pitch To Be This Spicy - Proteas Skipper Temba Bavuma

After defeating Australia 2-1, Rohit Sharma and Co continued their sublime form to clinch the series opener against South Africa. The Men in Blue sealed a comfortable 8-wicket win and take a 1-0 lead in the 7match T20I series.

While Arshdeep Singh and Deepak Chahar were the star performers with the ball, KL Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav hit half-centuries as India chased down a trivial total of 108.

Temba Bavuma backs the bowlers; exclaims not having enough runs on the scoreboard to defend

Following a loss in the series opener, South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma said, “As a batting unit we failed to apply ourselves in those conditions. We didn’t expect the pitch to play this way. Yes we expected it to be spicy but normally you will be able to hit through the line in this part of the world.”

“Seamers needed runs behind them to defend. They tried their best and were supported by spinners as well. I thought we fought well late with the bat. That’s a positive,” he added.

Match Highlights

Suryakumar Yadav and KL Rahul stitched a crucial partnership and remained unbeaten with 50 runs and 51 runs respectively to seal the opening tie. Chasing 108, India faltered early losing both marquee batsmen – Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli cheaply. However, the duo of SKY and Rahul took on the mantle to steady the chase and see things out to ensure the Men in Blue get over the line comfortably.

Earlier, Deepak Chahar and Arshdeep Singh were the highlights of India’s bowling display. Arshdeep bagged three wickets while Chahar managed two wickets to restrict South Africa to 106/8 in 20 overs.

AlthoughDeepak Chahar and Arshdeep Singh rattled through the Proteas top-order, it was Keshav Maharaj who waged a lone battle with a 41-run knock to help South Africa post a three-digit total of 106/8 after the Proteas were reeling at 9/5 in three overs at one point of time. Aiden Markram (25) and Wayne Parnell (24) were the only other batters to reach the double digit mark.