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Arshdeep Singh and Deepak Chahar put on a masterclass with the new ball as Team India blew away South Africa in the first T20I in Thiruvananthapuram on September 28 (Wednesday). Suryakumar Yadav and KL Rahul scored contrasting half-centuries to ensure an easy eight-wicket victory for the Men in Blue.
A target of 107 on a pitch with underlying moisture and more than waist-high bounce at times was a struggle before Suryakumar (50 not out in 33 balls) released the pressure created by KL Rahul (51 not out, 56 balls) as India won the game in 16.4 overs to go 1-0 up in three-match series.
It was Arshdeep (3/32) and Chahar (2/24), who basically clinched the issue for India within first 15 deliveries of the start after skipper Rohit Sharma called it right at the toss. Once South Africa were reeling at 9/5 in 2.3 overs, the game as a contest was over and 106/8 even on a difficult track was a sub-par score.
Kagiso Rabada bowled an ideal Test match delivery that pitched on length and reared up while moving a shade and all Rohit Sharma (0) could do was to dangle his bat at the corridor of uncertainty.
Virat Kohli (3) got an express delivery from Anrich Nortje that kept climbing as he tried to have a go away from his body and the edge was taken by Quinton de Kock.
After the game, Virat Kohli was spotted talking to his wife Anushka Sharma on video call inside the team, which was leaving the venue for the team hotel. Seeing an enthusiastic crowd outside the Greenfield International Stadium, Kohli flipped his phone screen toward the fan, which only made the crowd more vociferous.
Watch the video here:
The Men in Blue will face South Africa in the second T20I on October 2 (Sunday).
