India displayed a stunning all-round show to decimate South Africa by eight wickets in their first ODI at the Wanderers stadium on December 17, Sunday. Put to bowl first, Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan combined to wreak havoc on Aiden Markram-led South African batters and bowled them out for a paltry 116. While Arshdeep dazzled with a splendid fifer, Avesh snared an impressive four-fer. In reply, South African bowlers looked listless before star-studded India's batting unit as Men in Blue rode on debutant Sai Sudharsan's brilliant fifty and Shreyas Iyer's stylish fifty to overhaul Proteas' lowly target in mere 16.4 overs with eight wickets to spare. Apparently India reduced South Africa to their lowest total on home soil, 116.
Playing his first ODI, Sudharsan (55 off 43) marked his debut with an impressive cover drive for four and swiftly reached his half-century in just 41 balls. He contributed to an 88-run partnership for the second wicket with Shreyas, who came in to bat in the fourth over and scored 52 runs.
Earlier, Arshdeep delivered a spellbinding performance, securing a five-wicket haul, and Avesh Khan showcased his blistering pace as India's emerging pacers dismantled South Africa, bowling them out for a mere 116 in Sunday's first ODI.
In their first 50-over match since the World Cup final, Arshdeep (5/37 in 10 overs) and Avesh (4/27 in 8 overs) seemed to have taken inspiration from senior bowlers Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah, making the skilled South African batsmen appear inexperienced on a helpful pitch.
Arshdeep achieved his first five-wicket haul in ODIs, a significant feat after facing criticism for his performance in the shortest format.
Previously, at Kolkata's Eden Gardens, South Africa was bowled out for 83, but they probably didn't expect to be overpowered at the 'Bull Ring', a traditionally favorable venue for them in white-ball cricket. Their innings concluded in just 27.3 overs.
Only three players from the World Cup final — captain KL Rahul, wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, and middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer — featured in this Indian squad, and the backup pacers proved their mettle.
Both Indian pacers effectively kept the South African batsmen on the back foot, with both coming close to hat-tricks with consecutive dismissals.
Arshdeep earned special commendation for decimating the top order in the initial Powerplay, taking four wickets, and then handing the baton to Avesh, who bowled aggressively, rushing the batsmen with his speed.
Avesh occasionally mixed in short deliveries, confusing the tail-enders about their footwork.
The collapse began with Reeza Hendricks (0), who misjudged a cross-angled delivery, and Rassie van de Dussen (0) was surprised by an unexpected in-swinger. Tony de Zorzi (28 off 22 balls) attempted aggression, but Mukesh Kumar (0/46 in 7 overs) had a challenging day. Arshdeep then showcased his skill with a short ball that led to Rahul's easy catch.
The game-changer was Heinrich Klaasen's (6) dismissal, reminiscent of Wasim Akram's prowess, as Arshdeep's back-of-length ball turned into a lethal in-dipper, clipping the leg stump.
The end of the Powerplay didn't ease South Africa's troubles as captain Markram succumbed to pace, and David Miller (2) also fell to the persistent attack. Wiaan Mulder and Keshav Maharaj struggled with the pace, finding themselves overwhelmed. Andile Phehlukwayo's 33 from the No. 8 spot pushed South Africa past 100 before Arshdeep, in his second spell, wrapped up his five-wicket haul.
India will next face South Africa in the second ODI on December 19, Tuesday with a mission to seal the series.
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