The first match of the series at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow was a thriller, though it ended in a loss for India. Due to rain delays, the play was limited to 40 overs. India chased a target of 250 and came incredibly close, led by an unbeaten 86 from Sanju Samson and a rapid 50 from Shreyas Iyer, but they ended up losing by 9 runs.
South Africa began their innings strongly with Janneman Malan and Quinton de Kock. The Indian side got their first breakthrough through Shardul Thakur, who got Malan out for 22. The momentum stayed with India briefly as Temba Bavuma (8) and Aiden Markram (0) were dismissed in quick succession.
Ravi Bishnoi then joined the party by trapping De Kock LBW for 48. From there, the match was defined by Klaasen and David Miller, who anchored the innings with impressive half-centuries. Their unbeaten partnership (74 and 75) propelled South Africa to a strong total of 249/4 within their 40 overs.
India's pursuit of the target started poorly, losing Shubman Gill (3) to Kagiso Rabada and Shikhar Dhawan (4) to Wayne Parnell. Ruturaj Gaikwad added little to the score before being stumped for 19. Shreyas Iyer attempted to rebuild the innings and lead a comeback, but his efforts were cut short by Lungi Ngidi.
The responsibility then fell to Sanju Samson, who built a vital stand with Shardul Thakur, the latter contributing 33 runs. However, Lungi Ngidi turned the game back in South Africa's favor by taking two wickets in the 38th over. The Proteas managed to keep their composure in the final moments to secure a nail-biting win.