Dhawan backs Virat’s decision to bat after century goes in vain
JOHANNESBURG :India opener Shikhar Dhawan had a bittersweet outing on Saturday. He became the first Indian to score a century in his 100th ODI but the effort went up in smoke as South Africa came back in a resounding manner to thrash the Indian spinners and clinch victory, staying alive in the series.
Dhawan, who became the highest run-getter for India and second highest in the world after 100 ODIs, blamed the rain break during the South African innings that made the outfield wet at the Wanderers on Saturday.
“It makes a difference when the ball gets wet. The spinners cannot turn it that much and that made a difference for us. Of course, South Africans played very well,” said Dhawan, who scored 109 in India’s 289/7.
South Africa made 207/5 in 25.3 overs, after being set a rain-reduced target of 202 in 28 overs.
“We dropped a catch, and then a wicket came off no-ball (David Miller got both chances). The momentum changed from there. Otherwise, we were in a good position. The rain had an impact too. Our spinners couldn’t turn or grip the ball the way they did in the last three matches. That’s the main reason why we lost.”
DECISION TO BAT
India have fancied their chances chasing whenever they have won the toss, and hence the decision to bat first came as a surprise. Dhawan said the conditions were taken into consideration while deciding to bat.
“We thought the ball swings a bit in the evening breeze, which is why we decided to bat first. The wicket gets faster as the deck gets hard. It had extra bounce too. Unfortunately, it rained (during South Africa’s innings), and that made a bit of a difference. Miller, of course, played very well. Luck was on his side. Usually our spinners don’t bowl no balls, but that happens. He took that chance with both hands and changed the momentum.”
Defending the spinners who went for plenty -- Kuldeep conceded 51 runs in six overs while Chahal went for 68 in 5.3 overs – Shikhar Dhawan said they had an off-day and were a bit unlucky.
“They have been bowling very well. Anyone can have a bad day. These two have won three games for us. Sometimes luck favours the opposition too. It favoured Miller. It’s not a thing that happens every time. It is important to go through failures too to learn in your life. It’s just one loss. We’ve already won three games, so one more game and we’re through.”
India looked like getting to 350 when Dhawan and Kohli were batting. However, the momentum broke after Kohli was out and the players went off due to a break caused by lightning and thunder.
“We were batting in a flow when there was a break for half-an-hour to an hour and our flow was broken. After that I got out. Runs didn’t come at the same pace (after that). But that doesn’t mean the total was bad. Once it rained again, the outfield became wet.”