In-stand skipper Jp Duminy feels that Team India gained their confidence after winning the 3rd Test in New Wanderers Stadium In Johannesburg. Despite losing the three-match Test series 2-1, the all-rounder feels that the win in Johannesburg was more than enough to boost the Men in Blue's confidence in the limited overs format.
A Virat Kohli-less Team India won the 3rd and final T20I in Newlands, Cape Town by 7 runs as it was the Team India bowlers who managed to restrict the Proteas in the Power Play while being extra cautious in the death. Indian skipper Kohli was out of the playing XI due to a stiff back and it was his deputy chief Rohit Sharma who led the Men in Blue to victory in a thriller. It was a narrow escape for Team India who clinched the three-match T20I series 2-1.
JP Duminy admired the intense spells bowled by the Indian pacers who managed to prohibit the Proteas batsmen from scoring the big shots in the all-decisive power play (first six overs).
"They bowled pretty well in the batting Power Play. We couldn't get the boundaries and the singles. We were 30 runs behind after that PP but in the end, we were behind by only 7 runs. Their slower and knuckle balls worked," said JP Duminy at the post-match presentation.
Home skipper JP Duminy (55) and debutant Christiaan Jonker (49) showed stomach for fight but their charge came too late. The duo added 39 runs for the fourth wicket, before Thakur snapped up the skipper to set the Proteas back further.
"Jonker, in his first game, to get us that close was a great effort."
Debutant Jonkers had other plans as he launched a measured attack on the Indian bowling. With 53 needed off 18 balls, he took 18 runs off Thakurs 18th over and then smacked Bumrah for another 16 in the penultimate over, putting up 51 runs off just 22 balls with Ferhaan Behardien (15 not out).
Duminy feels that the loss to India in their home soil is a lesson as well as a great opportunity for the players to step up and call the shots in the shortest format of the game.
"In this format, guys get the opportunity and they try and stake a claim. Great opportunity for guys to step up."
Duminy credited Team India and feels that the Men in Blue have had an 'outstanding white-ball' tour as the visitors won the ODIs 5-1 and T20Is 2-1. India, who have never won a Test series in South Africa won the third and final Test at Johannesburg to avoid a whitewash, gained plenty of confidence which they brought to the limited overs format.
"We have learnt our lessons. Full credit to India. Outstanding white-ball tour. They gained a lot of confidence out of that win in the third Test," concluded Duminy.
