PAARL: South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma expressed happiness after his side defeated India in the first ODI on Wednesday.
Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen's centuries were backed by a spirited bowling performance as South Africa defeated India by 31 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
"We played close to a perfect game; that's quite hard in 50-over cricket. We can take a lot of confidence," said Bavuma after the game.
"I struggled throughout the innings. Rassie seemed like batting on another wicket. That partnership was the decider. I tried to partner him as much as I could.
Medium pacer Andile Phehlukwayo (2/26) and spinner Tabraiz Shamsi (2/52), along with South African bowling spearhead Lungi Ngidi (2/64) claimed two wickets each to restrict the Indian batting line-up.
"Andile was good; he understood the situation. He knew what he needed to do. He's a big player within the team. It's good to see him take charge. Spinners have been great. Shamsi - we are trying to use him differently, using him at the death and he's doing it well. Spinners have been good.
Bavuma also threw his weight behind wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock who returned to the side with a knock of 27 at the top of the order.
"Nice to have Quinny back, nice to see him smile," said the skipper. "He's a big player for me, he's a big player for the team. His energy and his experience helps us a lot."
For India, only Shikhar Dhawan (79), Shardul Thakur (50*), and Virat Kohli (51) got going with the bat.
The second ODI will be played on the same ground on Friday.
