Champion bowling display please Kohli
India captain Virat Kohli praised his bowling attack as they demolished South Africa’s batting line-up to seal a spot in the Champions Trophy semifinal.
The reigning champions were far too good for their opponents at the Oval as they won by eight wickets after easily chasing down a modest target of 192.
South Africa started slowly with the bat but were seemingly building a sensible innings, with opener Quinton de Kock hitting 53.
The likes of skipper AB de Villiers (16) and David Miller (one) were victims of poor communication as three players were run out - with India taking eight wickets for 51 runs.
In return they never looked in trouble as Shikhar Dhawan (78) and Kohli (76 not out) enjoyed themselves with some big hitting.
But it was the bowlers who were hailed by Kohli after the convincing win.
“The pressure was built by the bowlers and that I think resulted in those breakthroughs we got in the field,” he said.
“It is important to grab those opportunities. We wanted to improve our fielding, it was something we required and before we went out we had a chat in the huddle and I said I wanted everyone’s intensity to go up, that is a conscious effort we have to make.
“All of the bowlers executed their plan so well in such a big game and to be able to bowl like that against a batting line up of their ability, we can feel confident and would like to take it forward into the semis.”
Kohli said there was nothing for him to criticise as India continued on in their quest to defend the trophy.
“I can’t pinpoint any negatives from the day, it was our best game yet,” he added.
“The small things are something we are focusing on.
“Until you have a team effort you can’t win games, especially in conditions you are unfamiliar with.”