A top order failure meant the odds were always stacked against the Proteas in the first One-Day International against India, but South Africa skipper Aiden Markram hailed the efforts of his teammates as they ran their hosts close, in Ranchi, on Sunday.
Ultimately, India won by 17 runs after posting 349/8, as South Africa were bowled out in the final over for 332.
Markram (7), Ryan Rickelton (0) and Quinton de Kock (0) all failed to see South Africa fall to 11/3 inside the first five overs, which left them a mountain to climb.
Matthew Breetzke went on to anchor the innings with 72 from 80, but he received good support from Tony de Zorzi (39), Dewald Brevis (37), Marco Jansen (70) and Corbin Bosch (67) as the all-round effort from the Proteas batsmen kept their side in the contest.
Markram Reflects on Top Order Struggles and Way Forward
“Proud of the chase. Great to watch guys do their thing and never lose belief. All of us were quietly hopeful. Top order falling was defining. Still felt like chasing was the best way to win, but the top order fell early,” said Markram afterwards.
Markram, however, conceded that the top order performance played a big part in their defeat.
“Small bits of pieces to do better. Glaring one is the top order to get through the swinging ball. And do some things better in the field. Bosch and Jansen allow us to bat deep. They’ve done well with the bat in the recent past. We want to play smart.”
@Michael_Sherman
IOL Sport
