Indian cricket fans finally breathed a sigh of relief after a rough 20 days. Following the heartbreak of a humiliating Test series loss to New Zealand, the Men in Blue found their groove once again in the shorter format, showing their T20I power with an impressive win over South Africa in the IND vs SA 1st T20I in Kingsmead Cricket Stadium on Friday night. India secures a much-awaited dominating victory, which all ICT fans were looking for, defeating South Africa by 61 runs and extending their T20I winning streak to 11 matches.
With the batsmen firing and bowlers hitting the right spots, India returned to winning ways, giving fans much-needed joy. Suryakumar Yadav’s unbeaten captaincy streak remains intact, but the star of the night was Sanju Samson, whose explosive 107-run knock laid the foundation for this win. His powerful innings helped India reach a winning total, securing a memorable win and giving fans plenty of reasons to cheer about.
Sanju Samson built the Indian innings
India’s innings were built around a brilliant century from Sanju Samson. Coming in to open the innings, Samson again donned the Indian jersey and played a masterful knock of 107 runs off 50 balls, including 10 fours and 7 sixes.
His explosive batting helped India post a challenging total of 202/8. Alongside him, Suryakumar Yadav (21) and Tilak Verma (33) made some contributions. However, the middle order couldn’t capitalise on the strong start. After Samson’s departure, India lost wickets quickly in the final overs, adding just 27 runs in the last 26 balls.
Bishnoi and Chakravatrhy: A new spin duo in ICT
India’s bowlers were outstanding, consistently breaking partnerships and keeping South Africa under pressure. We have seen some amazing partnership from Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi.
Chakravarthy proved to be a game changer taking two crucial wickets in the 12th over, dismissing Heinrich Klaasen (25) and David Miller (18). Later, in the 13th over Ravi Bishnoi supported him well, scalping two wickets in the 13th over, dismissing Patrick Kruger (1) first and Andile Simelane (6). Both took 3-3 wickets respectively.
Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan also contributed, giving early breakthroughs, with Arshdeep taking the important wicket of Aiden Markram for just 8 runs and Avesh dismissing Tristan Stubbs (11).
South Africa failed to build a partnership
Chasing a steep target of 203, South Africa’s innings never gained momentum. They lost wickets at regular intervals, with the top order failing to build partnerships. Klaasen and Miller’s dismissals in the middle overs left them in a tight spot, putting pressure on Patrick Kruger and Andile Simelane, who eventually lost wickets in the next over itself. Gerald Coetzee tried to put on some fight, but it was too late then.
Gerald Coetzee was run out by Suryakumar Yadav’s sharp direct throw after scoring a brisk 23 off 11 balls. Keshav Maharaj was bowled by Avesh Khan to close South Africa’s innings, with the team falling short by 61 runs. Despite efforts from a few batsmen, South Africa couldn’t handle India’s bowling, giving India a well-deserved win in the first T20I.
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