IND vs SA: India knocks South Africa for record low 116 in Johannesburg ODI opener

Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan starred with the ball as India blew away South Africa for a mere 116 runs in the opening ODI of the three-match series at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday.

The Proteas, opting to bat first, were bundled out in just 27.3 overs, registering their lowest-ever score at home in the format. The Indian pace duo of Arshdeep and Avesh shared nine wickets between them, leaving the South African batting in tatters.

Innings Break!

Sensational bowling performance from #TeamIndia! 👌 👌

South Africa bowled out for 116.

5⃣ wickets for @arshdeepsinghh
4⃣ wickets for @Avesh_6
1⃣ wicket for @imkuldeep18

Over to our batters now 👍 👍

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/tHxu0nUwwH #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/25V1LgNWOz

— BCCI (@BCCI) December 17, 2023

Firey spells of Indian speedsters

Arshdeep, playing his first ODI for India, announced himself on the big stage with a dream debut, ripping through the top order with his fiery pace and swing. He dismissed openers Sarel Erwee and Temba Bavuma early, before sending back Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen in quick succession.

Avesh then took over, claiming two wickets in two balls at the start of the 11th over to further dismantle the South African batting. The Proteas lost their top six for just 58 runs within the first 10 overs, completely collapsing under the Indian bowling onslaught.

Phehlukwayo's gritty knock

Only Andile Phehlukwayo offered some resistance with a gritty 33 off 49 balls, but he eventually fell to Arshdeep, who completed his maiden ODI five-wicket haul. Kuldeep Yadav picked up the final wicket to wrap up the South African innings for a paltry 116.

This was South Africa's lowest-ever score against India in ODIs, surpassing their previous nadir of 146 set in 2010. The score was also their second-lowest total in all ODIs, only bettered by their 83 against Sri Lanka in 2012.

With a target of just 117 to chase, India will be the overwhelming favourites to win the opening match and take a 1-0 lead in the series. The team, under the returning captain KL Rahul, will be eager to put the disappointment of the ODI World Cup behind them and start the series on a winning note.