India defeated South Africa in the first ODI of the three-match series which was played on December 17, 2023, in Johannesburg. The two sides had shared the T20I series 1-1.
Aiden Markram, stand-in South Africa captain, won the toss and chose to bat first. The decision proved to be a poor one as Arshdeep Singh removed Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen for ducks in the first over itself.
Arshdeep and Avesh Khan continued their assault on Proteas batting, which looked listless against the India bowlers. Tony de Zorzi (28) and Andile Phehlukwayo (33) were the main scorers as South Africa folded for 116 runs in 27.3 overs.
Arshdeep Singh picked his maiden ODI fifer- 5/37 and Avesh Khan took 4/27 for India. Arshdeep became the first Indian pacer to take a five-wicket haul in ODIs against South Africa.
In response, India debutant Sai Sudharsan made 55* in 43 balls with 9 fours and Shreyas Iyer made 52 in 45 balls with 6 fours and 1 six as India won by 8 wickets with 200 balls remaining. India took the lead of 1-0 in a three-match series, while Arshdeep Singh won the Player of the Match award.
The cricket fraternity was all praises for the Indian team’s performance and lauded Sai Sudharsan for his well-compiled innings.
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