Team India got off to a flying start as it rode on Suryakumar Yadav's scorching fifty and KL Rahul's sedate half-century to romp South Africa by eight wickets in the first T20I of the three-match series on Wednesday (September 28).
Arshdeep Singh (3/32) and Deepak Chahar (2/24) hit the South Africans hard with some magical swing bowling as the visitors' innings was summed up to just 106/8 which was easily overhauled by the Men in Blue with 20 ball to spare where Suryakumar yet again unleashed the beast in him with stunning 33-ball 50 while Rahul scored 56-ball 51.
Rahul was desperately searching for some form with the willow and the 51-run knock will surely give him some breather and confidence as he has two more game to find his mojo back right ahead of the marquee T20 World Cup which is slated to kick off from October 16 in Australia.
KL Rahul, whose scratchy batting got papered over by Suryakumar Yadav's regal half-century, said that his partner's attacking intent allowed him to take his own time.
It was because of Rahul's struggles, India scored only 17 in six Powerplay overs but Surya's imperious form didn't allow South Africa to make a comeback.
"Definitely, right up there (as the toughest pitch)," Rahul said when asked if it was the toughest strip he has batted on in T20Is.
"We have played in some difficult conditions like this but I haven't got runs. So this was hard work," he added.
Rahul all praise for Surya's approach
"It was unbelievable for Surya to come out there and play those shots. we have seen how balls were flying, nipping around, two-paced and everything that can be hard for a batter that was the wicket today.
"And for Surya to come with that approach after the first ball that hit him, he just woke up and wanted to play his shots, be aggressive and take on the bowling. That helped me take my time and play one end," Rahul said.
Rahul said that he expected the track to do a bit but not to the extent it did.
"Not that much. We did practice here yesterday and that was a humbling experience as well, we all came in prepared mentally as it was not going to be an easy wicket and I was ready to do the dirty work, ready to be challenged and get the job done for the team."
Rahul lauds young gun Arshdeep
Rahul also praised young Arshdeep Singh, whose three wickets in his first over set-up the game.
"He's (Arshdeep) growing with each game and with each outing he gets better, he is somebody who has a big heart and I have seen him in close quarters while playing in the IPL. This season what he did for his franchise was phenomenal and to be the number one death bowler in a team (Punjab Kings) which has Rabada speaks highly of him.
"We always want a left-arm seamer and it is great to have someone like Arshdeep," Rahul concluded.
India and South Africa will next meet for the second T20I on October 2 as the visitors will look to bounce back in order to keep the series alive.
