South Africa registered a thrilling 9-run victory over India in the first ODI.
In a match that was reduced to 40 overs due to rain, the Proteas rode on half-centuries from David Miller (75* off 63 balls) and Heinrich Klaasen (74* off 65 balls) to post 249/4 on the board. Quinton de Kock also made a notable contribution of 48.
Shardul Thakur was the pick of the bowlers for India, claiming two wickets by conceding 35 runs in his 8 overs.
In reply, the Men in Blue were reduced to 51/4 at one stage. Amid the pressure situation, Shreyas Iyer and Sanju Samson added 67 runs for the fifth wicket to steady the ship.
After Iyer’s dismissal on 37-ball 50, Shardul Thakur arrived in the middle and formed a 93-run stand with Samson. With 45 needed off 14 balls, Thakur got out for 31-ball 33.
In the end, Samson was the last hope for India. With 30 needed from the last over, Samson slammed Tabraiz Shamsi for 20 runs and ended up with 86 not out off 63 balls but the hosts fell short of the target.
Kagiso Rabada (2-36) was the stand-out bowler for South Africa, picking two wickets for 36 runs in his eight overs.
For his valiant knock, Sanju Samson received praise from the cricket fraternity on Twitter.
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