Unforced errors cost us dear against India: AB de Villiers

Opener Shikhar Dhawan bludgeoned his way to a maiden ODI century as a rejuvenated India kicked off their campaign with a comfortable victory here yesterday.

8220;But I still feel our boys fought back well to restrict India to 3318230; it could well have been 370,8221; he told reporters in a post-match chat.

Talking about the 8220;unforced errors8221; and 8220;miscommunication in the heat of the battle8221;,de Villiers recalled the dismissal of key batsmen like Robin Peterson and David Miller to silly run outs. Peterson8217;s exit at the team score of 155 for three proved to be a turning point.

8220;The run outs proved to be costly but you can8217;t do much about them. When the players are trying to do their best and your heart is pumping,the heat of the battle makes you make errors,8221; De Villiers explained.

8220;We have to win our next two matches because in a short tournament,there are no margin for errors. We come here to win all games and we will take a lot of positives from the defeat against India,8221; De Villiers said.

But the skipper8217;s plans may take a hit because Dale Steyn is still doubtful for South Africa8217;s next game against Pakistan in Birmingham.

8220;We will assess the situation every day and then hope for the best,but missing both Steyn and Morkel will be a massiveblow,8221; De Villiers said.

Morkel was rushed to a doctor for scans in his left quadriceps. He may take a maximum of seven days to recover,according to the South African team doctor.