India captain Rohit Sharma said that the green pitch in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday did not guarantee success for the Indian team but the bowlers’ did well. He opened up on the run chase and the batters’ approach in the difficult conditions. However, they started the three-match series with a comfortable eight-wicket victory. The win was largely set up in the first innings after they had won the toss and decided to bowl, utilizing the condition to restrict the Proteas to a paltry 106.
“When you play a game like that you learn a lot. It was nice to play a game like that,” Indian skipper Rohit Sharma was quoted saying in the post-match presentation by ESPNCricinfo.
However, South Africa was left reeling at 9-5. Aiden Markram then tried to resurrect the innings with a counter-attacking 25 but it was Wayne Parnell’s 24(37) and a brilliant 41 off 35 balls from Keshav Maharaj that helped them cross the 100-run barrier.
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“We knew there will be something for the bowlers, but not through the 20 overs we bowled. It was sticky, there was still dampness, and it stayed throughout. There was no sun so it makes it difficult to hit,” Rohit Sharma said of the conditions. “Both teams were in the contest. We got wickets upfront, and that was the turning point. No matter what the conditions, you still have to execute your plans. When you swing the ball like that any batter will struggle.”
However, the run chase wasn’t smooth at the beginning for the hosts, as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli departed early with the score 17-2 after 6.1 overs as well. However, Suryakumar Yadav’s rapid half-century and KL Rahul’s knock helped them win as well.
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“107, we knew it was not going to be that easy. We got to respect the conditions at times, understand what shots can be played. We lost two wickets, but that partnership was crucial,” Rohit Sharma concluded.
