On Sunday, December 17, India and South Africa kicked off their three-match One Day International (ODI) series. The game was played at Johannesburg’s New Wanderers Stadium. South African captain Aiden Markram chose to bat after winning the toss. But their team was only able to muster 116 runs. Team India responded by reaching the target in 16.4 overs, winning the match and taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
In the ODI series,
India has now won 26 ODIs this year thanks to this victory. The Australian squad won 30 matches in 2023, breaking the previous high of 26 wins in 1999. India now leads the series 1-0 after their significant victory over the African side. On December 19, the series’ second game will take place in Centurion.
India’s last victory over South Africa in an ODI had been five years ago. 2018 was Team India’s last victory at Centurion. They then suffered three straight losses in 2022.
Arshdeeps Impact,
For India, bowlers Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan caused mayhem with their deliveries. Nine wickets in all, five for Arshdeep and four for Avesh. In the second over of the innings, Arshdeep quickly claimed two wickets in a row on consecutive deliveries. Rassie van der Dussen was bowled by Arshdeep on the fourth delivery of that over, and Rassi’s partner Reeza Hendricks was removed by him on the very next ball. In the eleventh over of the African innings, Avesh Khan dropped a hat-trick opportunity, but he still managed to capture important wickets and dismiss important batsmen including Eden Markram, David Miller, and Keshav Maharaj.
At the New Wanderers Stadium, India’s rookie Sai Sudarshan was outstanding. Shreyas Iyer made 52 off 45 balls, while Sudarshan amassed an undefeated 55 from 43 deliveries. Tilak Varma finished unbeaten with one run, while Ruturaj Gaikwad got five runs before being out. For South Africa, Vihaan Mulder and Andile Phehlukwayo each claimed one wicket.
South Africa is All Out in 116 Runs,
All things considered, India was able to hold South Africa to 116 runs in 27.3 overs. Avesh Khan claimed four wickets, Arshdeep Singh claimed five, and Kuldeep Yadav destroyed the African innings.
The South African team was put under pressure from India’s quick bowlers from the first over after choosing to bat first. Their batting order was upset early in the innings by two successive wickets taken by Arshdeep Singh. Reeza Hendricks was dismissed by Arshdeep’s fourth delivery of the over; he was unable to even access his account. Then Arshdeep sent Rassie van der Dussen back to the pavilion on the very next delivery. Following his failed attempt at a hat-trick, Arshdeep also removed Tony de Zorzi, who was caught behind by wicketkeeper Rahul. Henrik Klaasen was bowled for six runs by Arshdeep on the final delivery of the tenth over.
After Arshdeep’s blow, Avesh Khan bowled deadly well. Avesh Khan did not get a hat-trick in the eleventh over of the South African innings, but he did dismiss important batsmen like Eden Markram, David Miller, and Keshav Maharaj.
India is off to a great start in the series against South Africa thanks to its convincing victory in the opening ODI.
Arshdeep Singh Said,
I had never claimed a wicket in a One-Day International before, so I felt a little pressure. I’m pleased with my fifth place finish. The strategy was to bowl deliveries and enforce LBW while grabbing wickets early on. (On the new ball) Adaptability is our team’s main objective. “I’m excited to represent my country, whether I open or come in as the first change bowler,” Arshdeep Singh stated.
It was really hot during the first 25 overs of the ten overs. It paid off—I was playing a 50-over match after a year—and I feel really rejuvenated after taking five wickets. (Pointing the ball in the direction of the camera) We believed the surface to be somewhat rough, yet there was some wetness on moisture on it,’ mentioned Arshdeep Singh.