‘Itni buri tarah bhi nahi harana tha’ – Fans react as India beat South Africa by 8 wickets in 1st ODI

India defeated South Africa in the first ODI of the 3-match ODI series at the New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday, December 17. The Men in Blue defeated the Proteas by 8 wickets and took a 1-0 lead in the series. The match was dominated by Indian pacers Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan

Talking about the match, South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first, however, the decision proved wrong as India’s young pacer Arshdeep broke the back of the South African batting lineup by picking up 4 wickets inside the first 10 overs powerplay and reduced the Proteas to 52/4 in 10 overs.

He dismantled the South African top order while the middle order was destroyed by Avesh . He compounded South Africa’s misery with a disciplined bowling display and picking up 4 wickets. The Indian seamers capitalised on favourable conditions, sticking to their plans and inducing poor shots from the Proteas’ batters. Andile Phehlukwayo fought a lone battle, top-scoring with 33, but Arshdeep had the final say by dismissing him in his last over to achieve a remarkable five-wicket haul. Kuldeep Yadav wrapped up the proceedings as South Africa was bundled out for a mere 116.

Brilliant batting performance by debutant Sai Sudharsan

Chasing the target, India lost Ruturaj Gaikwad early in the 4th over but debutant Sai Sudharsan and middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer steadied the ship and stitched a match-winning 88-run stand for the 2nd wicket. Iyer batted aggressively along with Sudharsan as both smashed their half-centuries.

However, Iyer departed after scoring 52 runs off 45 balls which included 7 fours and 1 six. On the other hand, the left-handed batter, who got a lifeline in the first over of the 2nd innings, remained unbeaten on 55 runs and led the team to a wonderful 8-wicket victory in the first clash. Arshdeep was named Player of the Match for his magnificent bowling display.

Here’s how fans reacted: