India dominated the ODI series opener against South Africa, securing an emphatic eight-wicket victory at the Wanderers. Arshdeep Singh shone with a remarkable 5-37, achieving his first five-wicket haul in ODIs, while Avesh Khan provided excellent support, claiming 4-27. The hosts were bowled out for a mere 116, their lowest ODI total. In response, B Sai Sudarshan, in a memorable international debut, scored an unbeaten 55 off 41 balls, complemented by Shreyas Iyer's 52, as India comfortably chased down the target with 200 balls to spare. Arshdeep's early breakthroughs and Avesh's crucial dismissals paved the way for India's dominance. Despite a brief resistance from Andile Phehlukwayo, India's bowlers continued to dominate, and Sudarshan's composed innings sealed the win. India now holds a 1-0 lead in the three-game series, leaving South Africa with questions to address before the next match in Gqeberha on Tuesday.
Key points:
1. Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan delivered a stellar bowling performance, restricting South Africa to their lowest ODI total of 116 in the series opener.
2. Arshdeep Singh claimed his first five-wicket haul in ODIs, finishing with impressive figures of 5-37, while Avesh Khan supported him well with 4-27.
3. B Sai Sudarshan made a memorable international debut with an unbeaten half-century, scoring 55 not out off 41 balls.
4. Shreyas Iyer contributed significantly with a solid 52 runs, and India comfortably chased down the target with 200 balls to spare.
5. The victory gave India a 1-0 lead in the three-game ODI series, marking a strong start after their World Cup final loss last month.
6. South Africa struggled against the Indian bowlers, with Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen falling early to Arshdeep Singh's impressive spells.
7. Tony de Zorzi played well but was dismissed by Arshdeep Singh, who also disturbed Heinrich Klaasen's stumps to end the power-play.
8. Avesh Khan played a crucial role, taking wickets at key intervals, including the dismissals of Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, David Miller, and Keshav Maharaj.
9. Andile Phehlukwayo fought a lone battle for South Africa with a 33-run innings, but Arshdeep Singh eventually trapped him lbw.
10. Despite the early loss of Ruturaj Gaikwad, India's successful chase showcased Sudarshan's impressive debut and Iyer's fluent batting, raising concerns for South Africa ahead of the second match.
(With Agency Inputs)
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