SA vs IND | 3rd Test: There were lapses of concentration from us in key moments, says Kohli

South Africa defeated India by 7 wickets in the final Test of the three-match series in Cape Town after chasing down a target of 212 runs in the second session of Day 4. The hosts had restricted India to 198 despite a century from Rishabh Pant in the second innings.

The home side lost an early wicket in Aiden Markram but Dean Elgar and Keegan Petersen came in for the rescue as the two compiled a partnership of 78 runs for the second wicket. Elgar was eventually undone on the final delivery of the third day by Jasprit Bumrah after he was caught behind by Pant for 30. 

Petersen was then joined by Rassie van der Dussen on the beginning of the fourth day. Both the batsmen negotiated the initial phase of the day in a brilliant manner and stitched a stand of 54 runs for the third wicket as Petersen was out for 82 by Shardul Thakur. 

The South African team didn’t lose any further wickets and Rassie van der Dussen and Temba Bavuma took the team home to help the side win the series 2-1. 

India skipper Virat Kohli later talked about the series and admitted that the lapse of concentration did cost them the match. 

“I think it's a great spectacle of Test cricket for all to see. We played well in the first game to win but South Africa bounced back well in the second and carried on the momentum in the third as well. There was some lapse of concentration from us as well in key moments. I thought South Africa performed better in those key moments and totally deserved the win,” he said during the post-match presentation.  

The captain also added that the batting performance wasn’t really up to the mark and it is something that needs to be looked at. “Of course, it (batting) has been the reason, no doubt about us. Their bowlers were just better in terms of their execution and applying pressure. Batting is certainly something to be looked at. No excuses there. It's really disappointing for sure. We did well in Australia and England but that doesn't guarantee us success in South Africa. The reality is that we haven't won here in South Africa and we have to deal with it,” he added.