Indian captain Rishabh Pant feels they had enough runs on the board after they were put in to bat but admitted they were a little off with their execution in the bowling innings. India posted their highest total of 211 in the T20I format against South Africa but it went in vain as the visitors won by seven wickets.
India adopted a more aggressive approach but Ishan Kishan struggled with his timing in the PowerPlay overs. Kishan was able to change gears as he scored 76 off 48 balls. Subsequently, skipper Rishabh Pant scored 29 off 16 whereas Hardik Pandya contributed 31 off just 12 balls to add the finishing touches for the home team.
However, South Africa was able to get over the line after David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen scored match-winning knocks. Miller was able to hit the ground running as he completed his fifty off just 22 balls while van der Dussen did struggle in the early phase of his innings and he was also given a second life by Shreyas Iyer when the right-hander was on 29.
Miller went on score 64 runs off just 31 balls whereas van der Dussen scored 75 off just 46 balls. The duo added 131 runs off just 63 balls to help their team chase down their highest total in the shortest format of the game.
Rishabh Pant said in the post-match presentation, “We had enough on the board, but I think we were a little off with the execution. But sometimes you got to give credit to the opposition. Miller and RvD batted well. Slower balls were working when we batted, but the wicket got better in the second innings. Mostly we executed our plans (to Miller) but the wicket got better and better. We were very happy with the total but next time we are in a similar situation we will do better.”
Meanwhile, there is no doubt that India will be disappointed as they couldn’t defend a huge score of 211 runs. All the Indian bowlers took a beating and failed to bowl in the right areas.
The second T20I between India and South Africa will take place at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack on Sunday.
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