Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan shared nine scalps as India posted a crushing eight-wicket win over South Africa in the opening ODI of the three-match series at the Wanderers, Johannesburg. India chased down the target of 117 in just 16.4 overs.
India held the upper hand right from the start of the game, with Arshdeep striking twice in the opening over itself. He dismissed Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen off consecutive balls. Hendricks inside-edged one on to the stumps, while Van der Dussen, batting at No. 3, was done in by an in-swinger.
Tony de Zorzi (28), the opener, and Andile Phehlukwayo (33), lower down the order, tried to resurrect the innings, but they had too much to do. Phehlukwayo, eventually, looked to play across the line and was trapped in front by Arshdeep in the 26th over.
For India, Avesh also played his part by hitting the deck on short of a length, alongside good length. He ended up with the scalps of Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder and Keshav Maharaj. South Africa were ultimately bundled out in the 28th over. Kuldeep Yadav bagged the last wicket to fall by removing Nandre Burger.
In the chase, India lost Ruturaj Gaikwad early, trapped in front by Mulder. However, Shreyas Iyer and Sai Sudharsan scored fifties and shared an 88-run stand to ensure India cruised towards a victory. The highlight of Sudarshan’s innings was his ability to essay drives.
Sudharsan the debutant, cracked nine boundaries, while Iyer struck six boundaries and a six. Phehlukwayo did remove Iyer, but by then the result of the match was more or less a foregone conclusion. Tilak Varma and Sudharsan provided the finishing touches to the easy chase. The second game of the series will be played at St George’s Park.