South Africa took the game away from us in first 5-6 overs: Suryakumar Yadav

South Africa made easy work of the 152-run target in 15 overs and took a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series against India on Tuesday (December 12). Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav said the hosts took the game away from them in the powerplay. 

Reeza Hendricks (27-ball 49) and Matthew Breetzke (7-ball 16) put on 42 runs in 2.5 overs before Aiden Markram slammed 30 off 17 deliveries. The Proteas were 78/1 at the end of six overs, making things a lot easier for the middle-order. South Africa lost a couple of quick wickets but the scoring rate was always under control.

“They batted beautifully in the first 5-6 overs and took the game away from us. It was tough with the wet ball, but we would face similar situations in the future and it's a good learning for us,” said SKY after South Africa won the game by five wickets, with seven deliveries to spare.

The wicket was slightly on the slower side in the first innings but India still managed to hit 180/7 in 19.3 overs before the rain arrived and the second innings was cut short to 15 overs. Markram didn’t shy away from accepting that the wicket got better in the second innings and also praised Hendricks heavily. 

“Great crowd in today and it was nice to put in a performance in front of them. It was on the slower side. But after the rain came in, it quickened up. Reeza has been fantastic, super happy for him, he has adopted a bit of a leadership role with the batting. Another brilliant knock from him tonight.”

However, it was Tabraiz Shamsi who was named Player of the Match. The left-arm wristspinner claimed the big wicket of SKY and conceded only 18 runs in his four overs. He was the only one to operate at an economy of less than eight.

“To be able to deliver under pressure against India was pleasing. Since Rob (white-ball coach) has come in, he has created a brilliant environment in the team. He pushes hard in the field but also allows us to enjoy our families. The results are there to show on the field,” said Shamsi.

The third and final T20I will be played in Johannesburg on Thursday (December 14)