Melbourne, Feb 22 (IANS) India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni was delighted at the way his team drubbed heavyweights South Africa in a World Cup Pool B encounter here Sunday and said it was “one more complete performance”.
It was indeed a complete performance as the defending champions piled up a healthy total of 307/7 — courtesy a brilliant century from left-handed opener Shikhar Dhawan (137). They followed it up with good bowling and fielding to bowl out South Africa for a paltry 177 in 40.2 overs.
“More than just the result, it was how we played. Back-to-back performances by both the bowling and batting units. South Africa are a very good side, so one more complete performance,” Dhoni said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
India had also beaten traditional rivals Pakistan in their tournament opener at the Adelaide Oval last Sunday.
Dhoni lauded India’s fielding and bowling that helped skittle out the South Africans.
“We were able to swing the ball under lights. The bowlers bowled in good areas and even (Ravindra) Jadeja bowled very well, not just quick and flat the way he usually bowls. Very pleased with the run-outs. Mohit (Sharma) and Umesh (Yadav) are quite fast and have good arms. What’s happening really well is we are able to execute our plans,” said the 33-year-old.
“I can give fields to the fast bowlers. They are not bowling loose balls. They bowled tight lines and the batsmen had to play big shots to get runs. The amount of effort the fast bowlers are putting in the nets is beginning to show now,” concluded the captain.
