Makhya Ntini with Mahendra Singh Dhoni, on Sunday

Durban: Cricket South Africa Sunday honoured fast bowler Makhya Ntini, who played his swansong international game, and Indian icon Sachin Tendulkar for his outstanding contribution to the game.

India became the first holders of the Krish Mackerdhuj Trophy when they beat the Proteas by 21 runs in the Twenty20 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday. Mahendra Singh Dhoni was pleased with the win and acknowledged the role of part time bowlers in the victory.

The following are excerpts

Dhoni: After winning the toss, we needed to put the runs on the board… Rohit (Sharma) gave us a good start. Once the ball got old, it was difficult to get it away, and our hitters got out. But the total we got was good on this wicket. We were used to these conditions having played in the IPL. The spinners took advantage of the low bounce… Playing football here would have been better here, the stadium dimensions and outfield are designed for soccer. It was a great atmosphere though, good evening to play cricket.

Sachin: I am greatly honoured and humbled to receive this award from CSA, especially on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Indians in South Africa. Cricket is my passion and it is really meaningful to be recognised by one’s cricketing peers in this way. I have been most privileged to have played in the historic tour to India by South Africa in 1991 and to have been a member of the first Indian team to tour South Africa in 1992. This has given me a special bond with South African cricket and this award has strengthened these ties even further.

It has also been very special to be part of the tribute to my friend and opponent over the years, Makhaya Ntini, on this his swansong from international cricket. I wish Makhaya and Cricket South Africa all the very best for the future and look forward to continuing to play tight and enjoyable contests against the Proteas.

Ntini: I would like to thank CSA for giving me this opportunity to say goodbye to my fans both in South Africa and around the world through the live television coverage. I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 12 years but now it is time to move on with my life and help people across a wider spectrum. I want to get all the children to play cricket. I would say to each and every one of you, thank you very much for all the support. To my family, I really appreciate you. To all the South Africa boys, it has been great. It was an honour to play cricket with Sachin.