Captain Virat Kohli hailed his team’s showing in the opening Twenty20 international against South Africa on Sunday, saying that this was “one of our most balanced performances”. India outclassed the hosts by 28 runs at the New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
“This was one of our most balanced performances. 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 till 25th. We can’t go away before that and have to make the best of every time here,” Kohli said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
“Very impressive from the boys. It was a good wicket to bat on. Although Rohit did not get many, but the start off 21 off 9 gave us the start. Shikhar was outstanding. It was a total team batting performance,” said Kohli.
“With the ball, Bhuvi showed his experience. We could always bank on Jassi (Jasprit Bumrah) and Unadkat did well as well,” he added.
The two teams will face off in the second T20I at Centurion on Wednesday where India will look to wrap up the series.
