IND vs SA: India scripts dream start in ODI, beat South Africa by 8 wickets

Johannesburg witnessed an impeccable performance from both the Indian pace attack and the batting lineup as they comfortably claimed victory in the opening ODI against South Africa at New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday. Led by Shreyas Iyer's rapid-fire fifty and Sai Sudharsan's unbeaten knock, India chased down a modest target of 117 runs with remarkable ease, reaching the finish line with 200 balls to spare.

INDIA WIN THE FIRST ODI

A tough outing for the Proteas as India take a 1-0 lead in the series 🏏

See you in Gqeberha #WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/zgQgKW26Ho

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) December 17, 2023

Iyer and Sudharsan see India home with ease

Chasing a mere 117 runs target, the Indian openers made light work of the target. Shreyas Iyer, in a characteristically aggressive fashion, smashed a quickfire 52 off 40 balls. While Iyer departed after his entertaining knock, Sai Sudharsan who is making his ODI debut, anchored the chase and remained unbeaten on 55. The young batsmen ensured India crossed the finish line with 200 balls to spare for a dominant victory.

Pace wreaks havoc on South African batting

Earlier in the day, it was the Indian bowling attack that stole the show. The Wanderers pitch, known for its bounce and pace, proved to be the perfect hunting ground for Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan, who wreaked havoc on the Proteas batting lineup. In a dream debut performance, Arshdeep claimed an impressive five-wicket haul. His fiery pace and swing sent back openers Sarel Erwee and Temba Bavuma cheaply before he dismissed the in-form Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen in quick succession.

Scalping a 5⃣-wicket haul, Arshdeep Singh was on a roll with the ball & bagged the Player of the Match award as #TeamIndia won the first #SAvIND ODI. 👏 👏

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/tHxu0nUwwH pic.twitter.com/tkmDbXOVtg

— BCCI (@BCCI) December 17, 2023

Avesh Khan took over the charge after the powerplay, picking up 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 batters for a mere 58 runs within the first 10 overs. Andile Phehlukwayo offered some late resistance with a gritty 33 off 49 balls, but 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 117, their lowest-ever score against India in ODIs.