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Johannesburg [South Africa], December 17 (ANI): Following his side’s eight-wicket win over South Africa in the first ODI, Indian skipper KL Rahul said that it was finally great to have a win in the country after losing three ODIs as a captain last year.
KL’s men took a 1-0 lead in the series, beating South Africa across 8 wickets in the first ODI in Johannesburg on Sunday. The grounds of Arshdeep Singh and the fifty years of rookie Sai Sudarshan and Shreyas Iyer were the highlights of Men in Blue.
Last year in South Africa, India lost the ODI series to the Proteas here 3-0, wasting two close games in 31 numbers and 4 numbers and seven wickets.
“Lost three ODIs as captain here last time around. Good to get a win here in SA today. The plans were to bring the spinners into the game, but there was a lot of help in the wicket early and the boys [pacers] bowled really well. (Chopping and changing players in the XI, especially the bowling attack) It is just how cricket is being played in the last couple of years. You have to rest some players, you prioritise one format every now and then. Now it is T20s and Tests. But we want to take guys who are doing their best. Everyone is doing well in first class and IPL too, so good for them to get a taste too,” said KL in the post-match presentation.
At the start of the match, Proteas opted to attack first. But Indian pacemakers Arshdeep and Avesh Khan proved that this resolution was fatal to Proteas. Only De Zorzi (28 on 22 balls, on two fours and two sixes) and Phehlukwayo (33 on 49 balls, with 3 fours and two sixes) were able to make a somewhat decent contribution as SA clustered for 116 in 27. 3 overs.
Arshdeep (5/37) and Avesh (4/27) were India’s most productive bowlers. Spinner Kuldeep Yadav was given a wicket for India.
In the run chase of 117, India lost Ruturaj Gaikwad (5) early, but fifties from debutant Sai Sudarshan (55 in 43 balls, with nine fours) and Shreyas Iyer (52 in 45 balls, with six fours and a six) sealed the game for India with over 33 overs to spare.
Wiaan Mulder and Andile Phehlukwayo were given a wicket.
Arshdeep took home the ‘Player of the Match’ award. (ANI)