Reported By:
| Edited By: DNA Web Team |Source: DNA Web Desk |Updated: Sep 28, 2022, 10:24 PM IST
Suryakumar Yadav and Arshdeep Singh's heroics clinched India's victory against South Africa in the opening T20I on Wednesday in Thiruvananthapuram.
After winning the toss, India opted to field first, and Rohit Sharma's decision proved to be a masterstroke as the Indian pacers were spot on.
Deepak Chahar got India off to a good start by dismissing Temba Bavuma in the first over. This was followed by a ferocious performance from Arshdeep, who took three wickets in one over to leave South Africa in big trouble at 9 for 5 in just 2.3 overs. With the Proteas having four ducks in their first innings, the left-arm bowler got the scalps of Quinton de Kock, Rilee Rossouw, and David Miller.
Aiden Markram revived the innings, scoring 25 off 24 balls before being dismissed by Harshal Patel. Keshav Maharaj then gave him the task of getting the Proteas to 100 runs. Maharaj hit a crucial 41-run knock off 35 balls to set India a target of 107 runs.
Kagiso Rabada bowled a maiden in the first over as the hosts got off to a slow start. In his next over, he claimed Sharma. KL Rahul and Virat Kohli continued to show their respect for the bowlers. Anrich Nortje then removed Kohli, putting India in trouble.
However, Yadav entered the crease and quickly pressed the accelerator to relieve the pressure. Rahul began to play more freely as the South African bowlers ran out of ways to eliminate the Indian combination.
The 32-year-old batter looked in good form as he hit a stunning fifty, comprising of five boundaries and three sixes, to ensure India won easily and took a 1-0 lead in the series. KL Rahul hit the winning runs with a massive six and also reached fifty to help his team win.
