CALCUTTA. India. Nov 10: Springbok cricket manager Alt Ba qher made light or hla teams de-

feat to India here Sunday tn a historic one-day Internationa] which brought South Africa back to world sport, reports AFP

"It was a happy occasion which we will remember for the rest of our lives," Bacher said after India had triumphed by three wickets at the Eden Gardens.

"Although we lost the match, the occasion was the winner."

Bacher said his team sms overasred by the 98.000-strong crosrd which watched the match.

They have never seen crowds like the one at the Eden Gardens today," Bar her said. The boys appeared a bit □verarred by the electric atmosphere and the Importance of the occasion.

"Still I feel we made India fight for erery run. which te a good sign for the future." Bacher said.

He complimented the

Indian team for performing "exceptionally well," chooaing teenager Sachin Tendulkar and newcomer Pravin Amre fat special praise.

South African skipper Chve Rice said the match's turning point came when his side failed to run out Tendulkar when he had just scored three and was stranded in the middle of the pitch.

But bowler Richard Snell failed to collect a return from Andrew Hudson and Tendulkar went on to score 62.

"He played exceptionally well after that and took the

match away from us." Rice sold of the Indian.

Rice, 42, had nothing bat praise for Allan Donald, whom he described as a "real find" for South Africa.

Donald took five for 29 in s fiery display of fast bowkng. enhancing his reputation as one of the arorid's beat •peed merchants.