We played close to the perfect game - Bavuma

South Africa’s captain, Temba Bavuma, said his team had “played close to the perfect game” when they beat India by 31 runs in the first ODI in Paarl on Wednesday.

Bavuma and fellow centurion Rassie van der Dussen added 204 in 189 balls for the fourth wicket, helping their team reach a challenging 296 for four after struggling at one stage on 68 for three in the 18th over.

Asked how he assessed the partnership, Bavuma modestly said that he struggled to time the ball throughout his innings. “Rassie, on the other hand, seemed like he was batting on another wicket (Van der Dussen struck 129 not out in 96 balls, including 9x4s and 4x6s). The energy and intensity that he brought really gave our innings impetus. Our partnership was probably the deciding factor in the match. My purpose was to partner him in a support capacity and give him the energy he needed.”

He praised all his bowlers, both pacemen and spinners, and had a special word for Quinton de Kock who returned to international duty after retiring from test cricket.

“It was nice to have Quinny back. It was nice to see him smile and laugh in the changing room. Like I’ve always said, he’s a big player for me and the team and his energy and experience helps us a lot.”

Player of the match Van der Dussen said he decided to try and put the pressure back on India’s spinners when he came to the wicket.

“It was important to show intent from the start. As soon as we got the partnership going on the good batting wicket like it is here we got some momentum.”

Did he think that the successful run chases in the last two tests had given him confidence? “Yes I think so. Two high-pressure run chases certainly gave us confidence that if we could get around 285 we’d be in a good position.”

Van der Dussen said that the team had been “on a long journey” and put in a lot of work. “All the work and the chats are coming through now. We pride ourselves on our never-say-die attitude and the desire to always get better. I think it’s organically starting to take root now.”

Acting Indian captain KL Rahul was magnanimous in defeat.

“We started off really well with the ball but we couldn’t get wickets in the middle which has been a problem for us in the past. We also made a good start in our run chase in the first 20-25 overs but the middle order couldn’t get going. The South Africans bowled well and got the crucial wickets.”

Asked about the pitch, Rahul said it was necessary to spend some time at the crease. “Once you were set the runs were easy to come by but unfortunately we couldn’t get those partnerships going in the middle.”

He praised Bavuma and Van der Dussen for their hundreds.

“When two players get hundreds their team is likely to get close to 300 and that’s what happened. We needed someone to do that for us and go deep. If that had happened we might have got close to their target. But now we have to assess and get better.”