India dominates South Africa with an eight-wicket victory, showcasing stellar performances by Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, and B Sai Sudarshan.
In their inaugural match in this format since the ODI World Cup final defeat last month, India’s bowlers received substantial assistance, and Arshdeep made the most of it, securing a remarkable 5-37 in ten overs and achieving his first five-wicket haul in this format.
Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan dazzled the South African batters, while B Sai Sudarshan had a memorable international debut with an unbeaten half-century, guiding India to an emphatic eight-wicket victory in the ODI series opener at the Wanderers on Sunday.
In their first match in this format since the ODI World Cup final loss last month, India’s bowlers, led by Arshdeep, capitalized on favorable conditions, with Arshdeep claiming a sensational 5-37 in ten overs, marking his first five-wicket haul in ODIs. Avesh Khan complemented his performance by taking 4-27 in eight overs, contributing to South Africa’s dismissal for just 116 in 27.3 overs, their lowest total in the format.
In response, debutant Sudarshan impressed with an unbeaten 55 off 41 balls, and Shreyas Iyer added 52 as India comfortably chased down the target with 200 balls to spare, securing a 1-0 lead in the three-game series.
Arshdeep’s brilliance began early as he dismissed Reeza Hendricks and trapped Rassie van der Dussen, setting the tone for South Africa’s struggles. Despite a brief resistance from Tony de Zorzi, Arshdeep and Avesh continued to dominate, sharing nine wickets between them. Andile Phehlukwayo fought a lone battle with a 49-ball 33, but Arshdeep’s brilliance continued as he trapped him lbw.
In the chase, Sudarshan showcased his class with well-timed shots, steering past point and elegantly driving through extra cover. Despite the dismissal of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Iyer and Sudarshan ensured a comfortable victory for India. Iyer made 52 before falling, but Sudarshan remained unbeaten on 55 as India cruised to victory without much difficulty, leaving South Africa with challenges to address before the second match at Gqeberha on Tuesday.
Brief Scores:
South Africa 116 in 27.3 overs (Andile Phehlukwayo 33; Arshdeep Singh 5-37, Avesh Khan 4-27)
India 117/2 in 16.4 overs (B Sai Sudarshan 55 not out, Shreyas Iyer 52; Andile Phehlukwayo 1-15, Wiaan Mulder 1-26)
India won by eight wickets.