A powerful display by India's fast bowlers combined with a smooth batting performance resulted in an 8-wicket win against South Africa in the first ODI at the Wanderers. India now holds a 1-0 lead in the series. South Africa isn't out of the contest yet, as they have two more matches to fight back, starting with the second ODI scheduled for Tuesday, December 19.
An outstanding bowling effort from the Indian pacers and a fine performance with the bat helped India to thrash South Africa by 8 wickets in the first ODI match at the Wanderers. Men in Blue lead the three-match series 1-0 after a dominating win. All is not lost yet for the Proteas as there are still a couple of games to go and the hosts will look to bounce back strong in the 2nd ODI, which will be played on December 19, Tuesday.
South Africa's batting collapsed early on after choosing to bat first. Arshdeep Singh dealt a massive blow in the second over, claiming two wickets in quick succession. Reeza Hendricks was sent back for a duck, bowled by Arshdeep, while Rassie van der Dussen fell for a golden duck via LBW. Tony de Zorzi managed 28 and Aiden Markram showed some grit, but their efforts were cut short when Arshdeep claimed Zorzi as his third victim.
Despite high expectations from the home crowd for captain Markram and powerhouse Henrich Klaasen, Arshdeep produced a masterpiece of a delivery to clean bowl Klaasen for 6. Avesh Khan then stepped in, ripping through the middle order with ease. Andile Phehlukwayo's resilient 33 helped the Proteas reach a total of 116. It was a milestone day for Arshdeep, who claimed his first five-wicket haul in ODIs, while Avesh chipped in with four wickets.
India began their run chase calmly, with Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sai Sudharsan putting on 23 runs in the first three overs. South Africa found a glimmer of hope when Wiaan Mulder dismissed Gaikwad for 5. However, the match was effectively decided by a strong partnership between Sai Sudharsan and Shreyas Iyer. Making his debut, Sudharsan played a composed knock to score his first half-century (55*), while Iyer contributed a solid 52. Together, they shared an 88-run stand for the second wicket to guide India to a comfortable win.