IND vs SA: We Talked About Execution And That's What We Saw Today - Rishabh Pant

Indian captain Rishabh Pant was extremely happy with the way the bowlers executed the plans to perfection during their 48-run victory in the must-win third T20I against South Africa on Tuesday.

Coming into the game on the back of two losses, the Indian team needed its bowling attack to fire in unison and they did it to perfection in Vishakapatnam. After putting up 179 on the board, India restricted South Africa to 131 to secure a 48-run win.

“I talked about execution and that’s what we saw today, from both batters and bowlers. We thought we were about 15 short but we weren’t thinking too much about that; the bowlers did a fantastic job.”

“Especially in India, the spinners play a big role in the middle overs to contain the batsmen. So there is pressure on them to perform, but in such matches when it comes off, this is what will happen,” Pant was quoted as saying at the post-match presentation ceremony.

“I don’t think it’s a good thing for us” – Rishabh Pant on middle-order woes

Despite the openers putting on 97 for the first wicket in ten overs, India found it tough to keep going. They lost wickets at regular intervals but thanks to Hardik Pandya, managed to push the total to 179.

“I don’t think it’s a good thing for us (middle-order not performing), but after a good start, it’s difficult for new batsmen to go straight away. We will try to improve in the next match. We have to make sure that we finish the game with a bigger margin,” Pant added.

The series now stands at 2-1 in favor of the visitors. The fourth T20I will be played in Rajkot on Friday.

Also Read – IND vs SA: Twitter Reacts As India Stay Alive In The Series With Comprehensive Win Over The Proteas In 3rd T20I