Following an exciting Test series where South Africa attained a massive comeback win against India, the teams locked horns in the opening match of the 3-match ODI series at Boland Park in Paarl. The hosts once again emerged victorious this time by 31 runs. They lead the series 1-0.
South Africa lead the series 1-0
KL Rahul led the side as the stand-in skipper in the opening clash on Wednesday, in absence of Rohit Sharma. The tourists have given debut to allrounder Venkatesh Iyer. It was South Africa captain Temba Bavuma who won the toss and opted to bat first against India. The home team posted a defendable total of 296/4 in stipulated 50 overs.
The hosts suffered an early blow as they lost opener Janneman Malan early to Jasprit Bumrah. Then R.Ashwin struck as he removed dangerman Quinton de Kock to reduce them to 61/2. Meanwhile, debutante Venkatesh Iyer’s sharp throw found Aiden Markram short of crease as SA were reduced to 68/3.
It was the skipper Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen who scored hundreds for South Africa. The duo added 204 runs for the fourth wicket which is the second-highest partnership for Proteas for any wicket against India in ODIs.
Coming on to bat, India looked strong putting up score on the board. But, Aiden Markram got the job done by dismissing the Indian skipper KL Rahul. The ex-captain Virat Kohli was joined by Rishabh Pant in the middle after India lost the wicket of Shikhar Dhawan, who scored a brilliant 79 runs off 84 balls.
Dhawan and Virat added 92 runs for the second wicket as the former skipper scored 51 but was dismissed by Tabraiz Shamsi. Indian batting order collapsed soon after their dismissals. South Africa registered wickets in quick succession as Lungi Ngidi picked two wickets while Andile Phehlukwayo, Aiden Makram, Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj got one each for South Africa.
They are set to go up against each other in the 2nd ODI at the same venue on January 21.
