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Ind vs SA 5th ODI: Proteas got away in the first 25 overs, says Dhoni

dhonireadyforsemisMumbai: India lost to South Africa by a margin of 214 runs, which was India’s worst defeat at home, giving the Proteas a 3-2 series win over India at the Wankhade Stadium, here on Sunday.

South African skipper AB de Villiers, who was Man-of-the-Series with 358 runs in five matches, including three centuries, said it was an enjoyable performance today. “We assessed the conditions nicely and the opening batters set it up for us to enjoy the innings. I thought Faf took control of the innings very nicely. KG (Rabada) is an amazing bowler. He is very young and has lots to learn. The potential in him is high,” said de Villeirs.

Indian skipper MS Dhoni said that once the Proteas had a good partnership on the top, it became impossible to stop them. “Even if we had done exceedingly well, over 350 was on the cards,” said MS Dhoni, adding that the South Africans got away in the first 25 overs and thereafter it was difficult to stop them.

Quinton de Kock, who was Man-of-the-Match for his century said, “I had a good series.”

Meanwhile, talking about his cramps, Faf du Plessis said, “It’s the Mumbai heat, it was incredibly warm. I am not as strong as MS and those guys to hit sixes. So I had to run a lot of twos. Unfortunately I could not take the field today.”