India once again emerged a better side than South Africa as they defeated the hosts by 28 runs in the opening T20I.
Captain Virat Kohli acknowledged the fact that it was a complete team effort and rate the win as one of the most balanced performances.
“It was a really good wicket to bat on. Rohit and Shikhar were outstanding at the top. It was a total team batting performance and in the end, Bhuvi showing his experience – all in all, it was a good team effort,” Kohli said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
We were looking to do this in T20s for a long. It was one of our most balanced performances,” he added.
South Africa pulled things back a bit after India were off to a flyer, but the visitors still managed a strong 203 for five in the allotted 20 overs.
“With the ball, Bhuvi was showing his experience. We never let the run rate drop less than 10.5. I was thinking maybe 220 at the 16-over mark.
The basic message to the team was we are here until 25th. We can’t go away before that and have to make the best of every time here,” Kohli said.
