South Africa defeated India by 30 runs in a low\u2011scoring contest at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, to take a 1\u20110 lead in the two\u2011match series and extend their impressive run since winning the World Test Championship in June. The result also marked the Proteas\u2019 first Test victory in India in 15 years.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Having recently drawn 1\u20111 in Pakistan, Bavuma & Co. now have the chance to script history by securing a first Test series triumph on Indian soil since Hansie Cronje\u2019s team achieved the feat in 2000.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cUltimately, every game you've got to play to win. I think our mindset is not on protecting the lead that we have. We want to play from the front, and we will continue to do so. In terms of the game, we'll play what's in front of us.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe understand that, yes, light does become an issue, but we don't want to go in there with that defensive type of mindset. Whatever opportunities are there within the game, we'll look to be ruthless and take them. But if there's an opportunity for it to be 2-0, then so be it,\u201d Bavuma told reporters on Friday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He also expressed full confidence in the experienced Lungi Ngidi to step up for the Proteas following the absence of Kagiso Rabada due to a rib bone stress injury. \u201cI think he wasn't under any delusions about him not being included within this (original) Indian team squad. Communication is a big thing within the team.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI think with that being said, the guy has a lot of experience, and in a game like this where you want to be able to call upon your experience. I think it would be a little bit unfair on maybe bringing in a younger seamer to come and potentially do a role in this game.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWhen Lungi was bowling yesterday, he was bowling as well as he's ever bowled. The last Test he played, you know, he did quite well. So, you know, there's confidence there. We'd like to feed off that confidence and the opportunities there for him to do well,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bavuma further said the pitch in Guwahati appeared to be a typical sub\u2011continental wicket offering assistance to batters in the first few days before gradually turning in favour of the spinners as the match progresses.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWhen Lungi was bowling yesterday, he was bowling as well as he's ever bowled. The last Test he played, you know, he did quite well. So, you know, there's confidence there. We'd like to feed off that confidence and the opportunities there for him to do well,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cSo think of all the fundamentals that come with playing in the subcontinent. First innings becomes crucial from a batting point of view to really set the game up. And your spinners, in our case, Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, supported by Aiden, (Markram) have them come into the game within the second or later half of the game,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\r\n\r\n