'Most people thought we were out of the game' - Wayne Parnell on South Africa's dominating win

South African all-rounder Wayne Parnell opined on the stunning victory for South Africa in the first T20I against India at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Rassie van der Dussen (75*) and David Miller (64*) were the two key architects of the massive run chase of 212 with five balls to spare. India looked like having a tight hold of the game for the majority of the part, however, a phenomenal assault from the duo in the final overs meant that the daunting target wasn’t enough.

In a high-scoring encounter, Parnell bowled a good spell, conceding just 32 runs and picked up the wicket of Ruturaj Gaikwad. With the victory, South Africa will be highly confident coming into the second T20 international and the young Indian side needs to address the issues in the bowling line-up that looked completely ineffective.

We have to adapt and start well in new conditions: Wayne Parnell

Parnell mentioned the importance of toss in subcontinent conditions and felt that both batting and bowling equally need to be on the money. He noted about most people counting the visitors out of the game after the first 10 overs and heaped praises on the duo for their stupendous partnership. He felt that India will come hard in the second T20I in Cuttack and noted the significance of every game in the series.

“I think in India, generally the toss is important. But having said that, you need to bat well, bowl well. The other evening in Delhi, was an incredible chase. From 10 overs onwards, most people thought we were out of the game but we managed to stick in there and take it deep. We had two guys playing amazing innings and tomorrow is going to be the same, it will be difficult for us bowlers,” Parnell was quoted as saying by NDTV.

Parnell went on to add about taking the confidence from the previous game and felt the need to start well again in the Cuttack game that is slated to be held on June 12 (Sunday).

“Yeah, I think obviously this match (2nd T20I) is going to be crucial. India will definitely bounce back. They are a quality side; we do not expect anything less. I think every single game till Bengaluru is going to be tough. It was a great win the other night and we can take a lot of confidence from that. But it is a brand-new venue, new conditions so we have to adapt and start well,” he added.