India played the big moments well: Bhajji

“At the international level, the margin for error is always minimal, and South Africa did not play the big moments well. Not only did its batting unit suffer a collective failure, but it also made silly mistakes, thereby, allowing India to control the game,” Harbhajan told the ICC website. 

The former off-spinner reckoned India got things right from the start by winning the toss and electing to bowl. He was happy that the Indian bowlers did not give way any cheap runs in the first 10 overs. 

Harbhajan was critical of the three run-outs in the South African innings. “Dismissing AB de Villiers and David Miller with their brilliant fielding, Team India enjoyed a huge boost in confidence. I did not expect South Africa, the world’s top-ranked ODI side team, to choke yet again. 

I thought it had shed the choker tag, but I was clearly wrong. I just don’t understand why it falls short of expectations at the global tournaments year after year,” wondered Harbhajan. Bhajji praised Jasprit Bumrah, who was ‘just fantastic’ and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. 

“It was a fantastic bowling effort from India. The pacers did a great job by bowling dot balls in the first 10 overs. It surely must have made South Africa go on the back foot. That effort went a long way in helping India dominate South Africa on the day,” wrote Harbhajan in his column. Harbhajan complimented Shikhar Dhawan, who played a good innings when India chased. 

“He just keeps getting better with every outing in this tournament. You can expect the likes of Virat Kohli to come and keep things steady right till the end, especially when the team is chasing. This was a 10-on10 performance,” he said. 

Harbhajan said Kohli’s positive intent is visible when he steps on to the field. De Villiers does not show it. “This is where Kohli beats him. And such things do matter,” Harbhajan analysed.