Bhubaneswar: Team India toyed with South Africa at the Wanderers Stadium here on Sunday, winning the first ODI by 8 wickets.
That the 50-overs-a-side match lasted just 44.1 overs tells the story of India’s total dominance.
India, fielding a second-string side, found four heroes. Fast bowlers Arshdeep Singh (5/37) and Avesh Khan (4/27) first scythed through the South African batting line-up, before debutant opener Sai Sudharshan (55 not out) and Shreyas Iyer (52) easily chased down the 117-run target.
Opting to bat first, South Africa ran into a red-hot Arshdeep. The left-arm seamer, who hadn’t taken a single wicket in three previous ODIs, grabbed two in his very first over on Sunday. He castled Reeza Hendricks and had Rassie van der Dussen leg-before wicket for ducks.
A partnership looked to be developing, before Arshdeep sent back Tony de Zorzi and Heinrich Klaasen.
There was no respite for the Proteas as Avesh then came into the picture and bagged four victims to register his best figures as well.
India lost Ruturaj Gaikwad in the fifth over, but Sudharshan and Iyer hit classy half-centuries to coast to victory with more than 33 overs to spare.
Brief scores: South Africa 116 all out in 27.3 overs (Andile Phehlukwayo 33; Arshdeep Singh 5/37, Avesh Khan 4/27). India 117/2 in 16.4 overs (Sai Sudharshan 55 not out, Shreyas Iyer 52).
Result: India won by 8 wickets.
Man of the Match: Arshdeep Singh
Next game: 2nd ODI at Gqeberha on Dec 19.
