JP Duminy, Mayank Agarwal react after India A's victory over South Africa

Duminy feels it is unfair to criticise the South African bowlers based on a single performance

JP Duminy defended the South African bowlers in the aftermath of their surprising loss in the T20 warm-up game against India A, IBN Live reports. Mayank Agarwal, who set up the victory for the hosts with his knock of 87 from 48 balls, meanwhile was delighted with his recent performances and expressed hope that he would be able to achieve his dream of playing for the national team soon.

Duminy and Agarwal were the stars of today’s match with Duminy setting the early fireworks with his knock of 68 from 32 balls. That helped South Africa post what looked like a winning total of 189 in their allotted 20 overs, but it was chased down by India with Agarwal and Vohra playing crucial knocks, putting on a 119-run for the opening wicket.

Duminy, though, is not overly disappointed with the loss and believes it is too early to make harsh calls on the young bowling line-up.

"In a T20 game, it is not possible to assess all the areas as there is very little time to do so. But we played some 30 balls each and I have played a few practice matches at this ground. The wicket was I believe pretty similar to the one that we will get in Dharamsala. The spinners did not get much turn on this track. This match wasn't exactly about results," said the left-handed batsman.

"I have full confidence in the ability of our bowlers and I will back them hundred percent. I believe they have what it takes to stop the Indian batting line-up. Today was one day where it was about figuring out and assessing what will work for us in these conditions," Duminy said.

The experienced duo of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel have been rested for the T20 leg of the tour and Duminy believes that the newcomers in the side will benefit from the experience of playing on Indian pitches.

"Kyle (Abbott), De Lange and Morris have bowled here earlier, but it was a new experience for Kagiso (Rabada). He must have understood what works for him," Duminy said.

The pick of the Indian bowlers was left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav who gave away just 26 runs in his four overs while also accounting for the dangerous AB de Villiers. Duminy acknowledged that the youngster will be a name to look out for in the coming years.

"We all know that India produce quality spinners. Obviously, he seems to be a great talent and we hope to see a lot of him in IPL in near future. Today, there wasn't much help available for spinners today."

My dream is to play for the national team: Agarwal

Agarwal is focussed on cementing his spot for Karnataka as of now

Duminy’s effort was overshadowed by Agarwal’s match-winning innings who stated that his ultimate dream is to play for the national team, but for now is focussed on cementing his spot in the Karnataka side.

"For me, it is important to score runs in whatever opportunities I get and focus on the process. Karnataka is a strong side, and we have a lot of bonding. We enjoy each others success," Mayank said. "My job is to perform and score runs and selection is not in my hands. Yes, like every youngster, my dream is also to represent the country."