India captain Rishabh Pant feels his team lacked execution with the ball despite putting enough runs on the board to suffer a seven-wicket defeat at the hands of South Africa in the first T20 International in Delhi on Thursday.
After putting on a huge 211/4 riding on Ishan Kishan's 76, the Indian bowlers cut a sorry figure as South Africa achieved their highest T20 run-chase to end India's 12-match winning streak in the format.
Rassie van der Dussen (75 not out) and David Miller (64 not out) put on a match-winning partnership of 131 runs from 63 balls for the fourth wicket to take apart the Indian bowlers in the last few overs.
"I think we had enough on the board but were off with our execution, but credit to the opposition," Pant said at the post-match press conference.
"We thought the slower one was working when we were batting but it became easier in the second innings. We were very happy with the total but next time we are in a similar situation we will do better."
South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma was full of praise for van der Dussen and Miller.
"That was a proper batting display. David carried his form, properly supported by Rassie . It was a good wicket probably reading the situation better and (corrections needed) going to the death options earlier and taking away the boundary balls.
"We have a lot of belief on Rassie. He takes it slowly and takes it on at the end. He is the guy who sees us through. With David, makes it very explosive," Bavuma said.
Bavuma said he expected the wicket to play better in the second innings and that's why he chose to field after winning the toss.
The Proteas skipper also had words of appreciation for Ishan Kishan.
"I think the way Ishan batted, he made it look easy. He put our spinners under pressure," Bavuma said.
Miller, who was adjudged man-of-the-match for his explosive knock, said his understanding his game in the last few years has made him a better cricketer.
"I think it's a lot of hard work, have been understanding my game a lot better in the last four-five years.," he said.
"I have been around for some time now but understanding and winning games give you a lot more confidence. Wherever I bat, I have always wanted to make a difference. No. 5 happens to be the place now.
"I have done well at No. 4 in domestic but South Africa is a different story with world class players. Happy to bat wherever."
