India’s fast bowler Mohammed Siraj was delighted with his performance against South Africa in the three-match ODI series, which the hosts won by 2-1 after winning the third game by seven wickets at Delhi. Siraj once again impressed as he scalped two wickets and conceded only 17 runs in the five overs he bowled.
The fast bowler from Hyderabad believes performing against a good team gives him a lot of confidence. The right-arm pacer scalped five wickets in three matches at an average of 20.80 and an economy rate of 4.52, which was the best in the series.
Siraj was right on the money in the PowerPlay overs and bowling at the fag end of the innings. The 28-year-old was awarded the Player of the Series, the first such award in his ODI career. Siraj has also put his name in contention for the T20 World Cup after an impressive show against the Proteas.
Siraj said in the post-match presentation, “Performing against a good team gives you a lot of confidence. I had to take responsibility. I try to figure out the right lengths at the start of the innings. As a fast bowler you need that fire and passion inside you. Happy with my performance, and happy to get this Player of the Series award.”
On the other hand, Kuldeep Yadav was able to shoot down South Africa’s lower middle order with his fine bowling. Yadav snared four wickets to help the team skittle out South Africa at 99, which is their lowest-ever ODI score against the Indian team. Yadav returned with impressive figures of 4-18 and he was awarded the Player of the Match for his fine performance.
Yadav said after the game, “Feeling very happy, to be honest. Getting the Player of the Match award, the wicket was perfect and I am enjoying my bowling. I am not thinking too much about the result, just focusing on the process and focusing on my rhythm. I am trying to bowl in good areas. Not thinking too much, my next target is to perform well in the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament.”
India did a fine job in coming back into the series after losing the first ODI by nine runs.
