Image credits: Hindustan Times

India unfortunately lost by nine runs after being given the 250-run goal to chase in 40 overs due to rain.

Sanju Samson, who scored an undefeated 86 in a losing effort here, remarked that India’s deficit to South Africa in the opening one-day international was only two significant hits.

The hosts fell by nine runs after being given a challenging 250-run mark to chase in 40 overs of a rain-shortened game.

Samson and Shreyas Iyer (50) and Shardul Thakur (33) also played well, but India was unable to cross the finish line.

“I enjoy hanging out by the wicket, especially when I’m wearing India colors. We compete to win the game. I was only two strokes short with a four and a six. Samson said in the post-game press conference.

“I am delighted with my contribution but I will strive to make up for that in the next encounter.”

Samson struck Tabraiz Shamsi for one and three boundaries to score 20 runs in the final over, but it was not enough to meet the requirement of 30 runs. In the 19th over, which would have made all the difference in the outcome of the match, he did not bat a single ball.

“South Africa bowlers were bowling really well but Shamsi was going a little expensive so we thought we can target him. I knew he had one over left so if we needed 24 runs, I was confident that I could hit four sixes. So I was taking it deep. That was our plan,” Samson said.

The ground was initially moist and provided movement for the bowlers due to the city’s three days of nonstop rain.

“If you have noticed South Africa innings, you could see it was difficult to make runs with the new ball. After 15 overs (David) Miller and (Heinrich) Klaasen batted really well, it became easy.

“The ball wasn’t moving. Batting became easy after 15-20 overs,” Samson said.

Following a challenging start, Miller (75 not out off 63 balls) and Klaasen (74 not out off 65 balls) combined for an unbroken fifth wicket partnership of 139 runs, bringing the visitors very near to the 250-run threshold.

In the final five overs, the Indian bowlers faltered, giving up 54 runs.

“I made 80 odd runs but I also made mistakes. It was a learning lesson for us and we would look to make up for that in the next match.

“We have some space to improve but we also need to look at the batsman we are bowling at. Someone like David Miller is the best finisher in the world at the moment and bowling against him in this ground was very challenging,” Samson said.

“We responded decently I think. No-a-days 50 runs in 5 overs has become easy but definitely we can improve. They are a very experienced team so we will have a very challenging series ahead.” Samson concluded.

The 2nd ODI will be played at Ranchi on 9th October, Sunday.

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