South African skipper Keshav Maharaj was magnanimous in his praise for Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram and his whole team following a clinical win by the tourists in the 1st ODI against England.
The first encounter at Riverside Ground
The Proteas rode on a sensational 117-ball 134 from RVD, an all-round performance from Markram (77 off 61 & 2-25) and a late wicket burst from Anrich Nortje to claim a 62-run win on Tuesday night.
Markram chipped in two crucial wickets in the form of a dangerous-looking Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes to peg England back during the middle-overs.
Maharaj’s statement after the victory
Speaking to the media after the game, Maharaj lauded the manner in which Rassie set-up the innings. He also stated that Markram's bowling is quite underrated and that he is happy that the off-spinner finally got the rewards he deserved.
"The boys were clinical. Rassie set the tone with the bat and the rest followed. Rassie set up the tempo of the innings and Aiden came in and continued that. His (Markram) bowling is underrated and happy he got his reward today,"
The caravan of the three-match series will now move to the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester on July 22 and the Proteas will look to seal the rubber by taking an unassailable 2-0 lead.