Picture : Twitter / BCCI
South Africa produced a superb batting display as they chased down a successfully a a big total by Inia in the first match of the T20 series at Delhi on scorching summer day . The Proteas won by 7 wickets on hot day at Arun Jaitley Stadium .
Electing to field after winning the toss, South Arica were in for nightmare as India posed an imposing 211/ 4 in their 20 overs. Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad posted 57 for the first wicket in 6. 2 overs . Kishan was aggressive in his 48 ball 76 with 11 fours and 3 sixes . Ruturaj Gaikwad ( 23) , Shreyas Iyer (36). Inhis first match as India skipper Rishabh Pant scored 16 ball 29 with two fours and two sixes. Making a comeback into the Indian team all- rounder Hardik Pandya ensured India’s strong finish with an unbeaten 12 ball 31 with two fours and three sixes . India 211/ 4 in 20 overs.
For the Proteas : Anrich Nortje 1/ 36( 4 overs) , Wayne Parnell 1/32 (4 overs) , Dwaine Pretorius 1/ 35 ( 3 overs), Keshav Maharaj 1/ 43( 4 overs) , Kagiso Rabada 0/ 25 ( 4 overs), Tabraiz Shamsi 0/ 27 ( 2 overs)
In reply the Proteas lost seasoned Quinton de Kock for ( 22). Skipper Temba Bavuma for ( 10) , Dwaine Pretorius for a quick 13 ball 29 . South Africa were placed at 81/3 in 8. 4 overs. Little did anyone know that Proteas would bounce back and stay in the hunt . Rassie van der Dussen and David Miller put on a sensational partnership an unbeaten one of 131 runs off mere 64 balls. Rassie van der Dussen was brilliant in his unbeaten 45 ball 76 with seven fours and five maximums .
Fresh after featuring in Gujarat Titans Tata IPL 2022 winning team where he played pivotal role , David Miller produced power innings for the national team this time. Miller was superb with his clean big hitting as he remained unbeaten on a blistering 31 ball 64 with four fours and five sixes . The duo of Rassie van der Dussen and Miller had stunned India . India’s bowling let the team down after the batsmen had put up a big total. South Africa finishing at 212 / 3 in 19. 1 overs.
Indian bowlers had a tough day out ; Bhuvneshwar Kumar 1/ 43 ( 4 overs), Avesh Khan 0/ 35 ( 4 overs) , Yuzvendra Chahal could not continue his IPL form 0/ 26 ( 2.1 overs), Hardik Pandya 0/ 18 ( 1 over) , Harshal Patel 1/ 43 ( 4 overs) , Azar Patel 1/ 40 ( 4 overs). Death overs bowling is what India would like to improve in the next match.
