Batsman Temba Bavuma defended an arguably slow strike rate, after the Proteas suffered a seven-wicket defeat by India in Wednesday’s second T20I in Mohali.

T20I debutant Bavuma’s 49 was the second-highest score in the tourists’ final total of 149-5, after captain Quinton de Kock’s 52.

The diminutive right-hander’s near half-century, though, came at a strike rate of 113.95 – significantly lower than the 120-plus tempos gathered by De Kock, batsman David Miller and all-rounders Dwaine Pretorius and Andile Phehlukwayo on the day.

‘I don’t see myself as a selfish person. I always try to put the team ahead of my own personal objectives. I don’t think I had to find a balance between my own goals and the team’s in this game,’ said Bavuma.

‘I think if you look at the way I went out at the end was an indication that I was putting the team’s interests first.

‘For me, these interests aren’t difficult to balance, but for other players it is a challenging thing, especially when it’s your debut.

‘You know the opportunities might be limited and you want to make use of them. But putting the team first will always serve you well.’

India reached the 150-run target with six deliveries to spare on the back of a commanding half-century from captain Virat Kohli. The hosts have a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The first T20I in Dharamsala was washed out. Bengaluru will host Sunday’s third T20I.

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