Chasing a challenging target of 297 runs, the hosts restricted the visitors to 265/8 in the stipulated 50 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
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South Africa displayed an all-round performance to beat India by 31 runs in the first One-Day International (ODI) at Boland Park, Paarl on Wednesday. The hosts restricted the visitors to 265/8 in the stipulated 50 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series by virtue of the victory. Chasing a challenging target of 297 runs, India lost their captain KL Rahul (12) early. However, fellow opener Shikhar Dhawan (79) and Virat Kohli (51) forged a key partnership of 92 runs for the third wicket to keep India in the hunt. The southpaw hit 10 boundaries in his 84-ball knock while the former India captain’s innings was laced with three fours.
Following their dismissals, Rishabh Pant (16) and Shreyas Iyer (17), failed to make the most of their starts while debutant Venkatesh Iyer (2) and veteran all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin (7) were sent packing without adding much to the scoreboard.
All-rounder Shardul Thakur, then, fought back for the visitors with a resilient knock of unbeaten 50 runs. He hit five boundaries and one hit over the fence in his 43-ball knock while tailender Jasprit Bumrah remained unbeaten on 14.
For the hosts, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi and Andile Phehlukwayo picked up two wickets each at regular interval to derail the Indian batting line-up.
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Opener Dhawan who made a comeback for India, after playing his last ODI on July 23 against Sri Lanka, showed his class. He paced his innings cautiously and made a merry of the formidable South Africa bowling line-up to strengthen his position in the India XI.
Earlier, opting to bat, South Africa lost their openers Quinton de Kock (27) and Janeman Malan (6) inside 60 runs. Aiden Markram (4), also, followed suit as he was sent back of a run out from Iyer. However, top order batsmen, Temba Bavuma (110) and Rassie van der Dussen (129 not out), then took matters into their own hands and hit a century each to pile on the misery on Indian bowlers.
The South African captain smashed eight boundaries in his cautious knock of 143 balls while his partner hit nine fours and four sixes in his unbeaten innings. The duo were involved in 204 runs for the fourth wicket which also turned out to be one of the major differences between both sides and helped the hosts post a total of 296/4.
Premier India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, meanwhile, picked up two wickets while veteran spinner Ashwin got a scalp.
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