As India lost badly against South Africa by 76 runs in their T20 World Cup Super Eights opener in Ahmedabad on Sunday, captain Suryakumar Yadav acknowledged that the team’s inability to form partnerships had cost them dearly.
India’s batting performance fell short of expectations as they chased 188, losing wicket after wicket to South Africa’s deft use of slower balls, ultimately being bowled out for 111 in 18.5 overs.
“Sometimes, you have to think you cannot win the game in the powerplay but you can lose it. Did not have the partnerships we needed. We could have batted better,” PTI quoted Suryakumar as saying at the presentation ceremony.
India fell to 26/3 after losing their top three players—Ishan Kishan (0), Abhishek Sharma (15), and Tilak Varma (1)—inside the power play.
India’s net run rate (-3.800) was also hurt by the loss, therefore they will require victories against Zimbabwe (February 26, Chennai) and the West Indies (March 1, Kolkata) in order to advance to the last four.
“It’s part of the game. We will learn from it, sit back and bounce back. Hopefully bat well, bowl well and field well. Keep it simple. That is what we will try to do,” he said.
However, after Jasprit Bumrah (3/15) and Arshdeep Singh (2/28) held South Africa to 187/7 when a 200-plus total was likely, Suryakumar gave the bowlers credit for keeping India in the match.
“We were always in the game when we started. Bowled really well in the beginning. From 7-15, they batted really well and then we came back. Bowled really well. Everyone knows their combination has been lethal, both bowled eight overs, picked five wickets and gave up 45-50 runs. They bowl well in partnerships.”
The key, according to South Africa captain Aiden Markram, was quickly adapting to the conditions.
“It was a different type of wicket to what we have had here. Boys assessed that early and then to adapt to their plans. Happy for the bowlers. Starting the comp was tough, but tonight (they were brilliant).”
Before Tristan Stubbs gave the final flourish with a 24-ball 44 not out, he credited the middle-order partnership between David Miller (63) and Dewald Brevis (45), which brought South Africa back from early setbacks.
“The partnership — Brevis and Miller — put up, it kept us in the game. Did not feel like the ball was travelling. It was a bit spongy. Trying to hit into space and run hard. They bowled well up front and at the death, but our batting through the middle was probably the difference.”
India was suffocated in the middle phase by Lungi Ngidi’s variations, which saw him concede just 15 runs in four overs.
“We feel like he is a threat whenever he is bowling, and that he can take wickets through the middle. He just rocks up and keeps delivering,” said Markram.
On February 26, South Africa will play the West Indies in Ahmedabad.
“Same for both teams, having played against each other recently. They are a dangerous side. Enjoy this for one night and then park it. Big game for us. Importantly we rock up and take it on full steam again.”
Miller, who was named player of the match, stated that his strategy was to challenge India’s spin attack, especially Varun Chakravarthy, who he targeted in the middle overs after he gave up 39 runs in his opening three overs.
“Looking to be nice and aggressive against the spinners. They have world-class bowlers. Have played against them a lot, trying to put them under pressure and about putting yourself in the position to do that,” Miller said.
