Follow UsSouth African spinner Keshav Maharaj felt that his team needs to work on their proactiveness following their batting capitulation in the fourth T20I against India on Friday at Rajkot. Set a target of 170, the Proteas crumbled to 87/9 in 16.5 overs as captain Temba Bavuma retired hurt due to a wrist injury.
Maharaj, who attended post-match presentation in place of Bavuma, felt that the visitors never got going with the bat and the ball.
"We thought we got better in the back of the innings but our performance with the ball was bad up top. Maybe it was a lack of proactivity we need to address," Maharaj said.
"We never got going with the bat, there were no foundational partnerships and their bowlers were good," he added.
India were struggling at 81/4 in the 13th over when Dinesh Karthik (55 off 27 balls) and Hardik Pandya (46 off 31 balls) propelled them to 169/6 in 20 overs. Maharaj expected another thrilling contest at the series decider in Bengaluru on Sunday.
"DK played really well. I am bowling well, hope to continue. We expect it to be a cracker in Bengaluru," Maharaj said.
Indian captain Rishabh Pant was happy with the team executing their plans better as he lauded Karthik and Pandya.
"Really happy with Hardik putting up a stand while DK went for the kill, that's when the bowlers felt the pressure. As an individual, there are points for improvement but am not too concerned," Pant said.
Karthik, who was awarded Player of the Match, credited the safe environment within the dressing room for his good performance.
"Rahul Dravid has focused on what batters and bowlers need to do and not the results, the dressing room is secure and feels fuzzy which is good. That clarity and environment has helped," Karthik said.
"I am thinking a bit better and am able to assess situations better. That comes from planning and experience," he added.