In the first match of the four-game T20 series between India and South Africa, played on Friday, November 8, at Kingsmead in Durban, India won by 61 runs. South Africa had a target of 203 runs but was bowled out for 141 in 17.5 overs, giving India a 1-0 lead in the series. The second match will be held on November 10 in Gqeberha.
After losing the toss, India was asked to bat first and scored 202 runs for eight wickets. Wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson was the star of the innings, scoring 107 runs off just 50 balls, including 10 sixes and seven fours. He was given as player of the match award for his stellar performance with the bat.
Highlights of India’s Innings:
India had a shaky start, losing Abhishek Sharma for just 7 runs in the fourth over. He was caught by South Africa’s captain, Aiden Markram, off Gerald Coetzee’s bowling. At this point, India was 24/1. Sanju Samson and captain Suryakumar Yadav then steadied the innings, taking India to 56/1 at the end of the powerplay.
Sanju Samson Scored Consecutive Century
Sanju’s powerful batting continued after the powerplay, reaching his half-century in just 27 balls with three fours and five sixes. However, after Sanju’s half-century, Suryakumar Yadav was dismissed for 21. Together, Sanju and Surya had put on a partnership of 66 runs for the second wicket. Sanju kept up his aggressive play and soon reached his century in just 47 balls with seven fours and nine sixes. This was his second consecutive T20I century, following his 111 against Bangladesh last month.
India lost a few more quick wickets after Sanju’s century, including Tilak Verma (33 runs), Hardik Pandya (2), Rinku Singh (11), Axar Patel (7), and Ravi Bishnoi (1). India ultimately finished at 202 for eight. Gerald Coetzee was South Africa’s most successful bowler, taking three wickets.
Highlights of South Africa’s Innings: Varun and Bishnoi Shines with the ball
Chasing 203, South Africa lost captain Aiden Markram early for just 8 runs, caught behind by Sanju off Arshdeep Singh. Although Tristan Stubbs (11) and Ryan Rickelton (21) tried to settle in, they were soon dismissed, bringing South Africa’s score to 44/3.
David Miller (18) and Heinrich Klaasen (25) tried to build a comeback with a 42-run partnership, but spinner Varun Chakravarthy dismissed both of them in a single over. Soon after, Ravi Bishnoi took quick wickets, dismissing Patrick Kruger (1) and Andile Semilane (6). At 93/7, South Africa’s chances were all but over. Marco Jansen (12), Gerald Coetzee (23), and Keshav Maharaj (5) were the last three to fall.
For India, Ravi Bishnoi and Varun Chakravarthy each took three wickets, while Avesh Khan chipped in with two.
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