India captain Virat Kohli credited openers KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal for setting up the base for India's 113-run win over South Africa at SuperSport Park. He added that for him, pacer Mohammed Shami is one of the best three pacers in world cricket currently.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Rahul and Agarwal stitched an opening stand of 117 in the first innings total of 327, which was crucial in giving India a 130-run lead and kept them in pole position throughout the match."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"The discipline that the batters showed. Winning the toss, batting first overseas is a tough challenge. Credit to Mayank and KL for the way they set it up. We knew we were in pole position with anything over 300-320," said Kohli in the post-match presentation ceremony.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Kohli was elated over India winning their first Test at a venue considered to be a fortress for South Africa.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"We got off to the perfect start (as) we wanted to. Getting the result in four days and have to understand one day was washed out -- shows how well we played. It's always a difficult place, South Africa, but we were clinical with bat, ball, and in the field."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Kohli was firm in his belief that the Indian bowlers can get the 20 South African wickets needed to win the match -- skittling the hosts out for less than 200 in both innings of the match despite Jasprit Bumrah being unavailable for a longish period in the first essay due to a sprained ankle.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Knew the bowlers will do the job. Spoke about it in the change room -- the fact he (Bumrah) didn't bowl much in the first innings, it allowed South Africa to get around 40 more runs. Just the way these guys bowl together has been a hallmark of our team getting a result in difficult situations."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 33-year-old heaped praise on pacer Mohammed Shami, who registered match figures of 8\/107, including 5\/44 in the first innings and becoming the fifth Indian pacer to reach 200 Test wickets.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Shami is an absolutely world-class bowler, among the top three seam bowlers in the world for me. His strong wrist, his seam position, and his ability to hit a length consistently. Very, very happy for him to get 200 wickets and have impactful performances."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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