A stellar show by Indian pacers Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan, followed by a stellar innings by Sai Sudharshan on his ODI debut guided India to an 8-wicket win. With Iyer hitting a fifty and KL Rahul winning his 10th game in charge the Indian Cricket fans could hardly contain their excitement.
In a remarkable display of talent, young Indian pacers Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan overshadowed the Protean pace battery during the first ODI in Johannesburg. Their exceptional performance set the stage for India’s victory, ending a five-year win drought in South Africa. Chasing a modest target of 117 runs, India comfortably sealed the win in just 16.5 overs.
Debutant Sai Sudharshan introduced himself to the ODI format with an impressive half-century, remaining unbeaten on 55 off 43. While Iyer contributed 52 off 45 before falling, the standout player of the match was Arshdeep Singh, securing a five-wicket haul alongside Avesh Khan, whose four-wicket spell dismantled South Africa for a record-low score of 116.
Arshdeep Singh made a memorable ODI debut by claiming three early wickets, triggering a collapse that saw South Africa lose four wickets within the initial 10 overs. Avesh Khan further intensified the host’s struggles with two consecutive wickets in the 11th over, leading to the dismissal of their top six batsmen in just over 10 overs. Despite a brief resistance from Andile Phehlukwayo, Arshdeep eventually dismissed him to complete his fifer.
Avesh and Arshdeep both finished with four wickets each, and Kuldeep Yadav secured the final wicket, concluding the hosts’ innings. India’s dominant bowling performance set the stage for a successful chase, marking a convincing start to the three-match series.
