Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, and B Sai Sudarshan shine in India's 8-wicket victory over South Africa
Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan outwitted South African batsmen, while B Sai Sudarshan marked a memorable international debut with an unbeaten half-century as India convincingly defeated the hosts by eight wickets in the opening ODI at the Wanderers. Making their first appearance in this format since the ODI World Cup final loss last month, India's bowlers capitalized on favorable conditions, with Arshdeep particularly shining by claiming a remarkable 5-37 in ten overs, securing his maiden five-wicket haul in ODIs.
Meanwhile, Avesh played the role of an ideal bowling companion, securing figures of 4-27 in eight overs, contributing to South Africa's collapse as they were dismissed for a mere 116 in 27.3 overs an all-time low for them in this format. In response, Sudarshan showcased his prowess on debut, crafting an unbeaten 55 from 41 deliveries, while Shreyas Iyer added 52 as India comfortably chased down the target with 200 balls remaining. This victory gives the visitors a 1-0 advantage in the three-match series.
On a pitch that hosted the third T20I between the two teams a couple of days ago, Arshdeep began his show by having Reeza Hendricks chop onto his stumps for an eight-ball duck and followed it up by trapping Rassie van der Dussen lbw with a nip-backer. Aiden Markam added 39 for the third wicket with Tony de Zorzi, who was at ease in facing short and fuller balls, and dispatching them to the boundaries as compared to his skipper, who got off the mark on the 13th ball he faced.
But de Zorzi was undone by playing one too many against the short balls and gave a top edge to KL Rahul off Arshdeep, who ended the power-play by getting one to nip back in and disturb Heinrich Klaasen’s leg-stump bail. Avesh then took over to have Markram chop onto his stumps and trap Wiaan Mulder lbw with a nipping-away delivery. He continued to strike as David Miller fished outside the off-stump and gave a simple catch behind to Rahul, followed by Keshav Maharaj chipping straight to short cover.
Andile Phehlukwayo fought a solitary battle, striking three fours and two sixes in his 33 runs off 49 balls. However, Arshdeep claimed his wicket lbw as he attempted a slog. Kuldeep Yadav concluded South Africa's struggle by dismissing Nandre Burger, with Arshdeep and Avesh combining for a total of nine wickets. In the pursuit, Sudarshan marked his international debut with a beautifully executed cover drive for four, showcasing evident class. He continued to impress, skillfully steering the ball past point and elegantly timing a drive through extra cover for two more boundaries.
Following Ruturaj Gaikwad's lbw dismissal for missing the flick against Mulder, Iyer displayed a range of fluid shots. Meanwhile, Sudarshan continued to showcase his adept footwork against spinners, seizing opportunities to pull and timing his drives with ease. Despite Iyer's departure after scoring 52, Sudarshan remained unbeaten with 55 runs as India effortlessly claimed the series lead on the Pink Day in Johannesburg. South Africa, on the other hand, found themselves with numerous questions to address before the second match in Gqeberha.
