India have kicked off the 4-game T20I series with a thumping win against the Proteas.
The hosts opted to bowl first, and the decision turned out to be one to forget, as Sanju Samson was in fifth gear during the Powerplay. Gerald Coetzee might’ve struck early to remove Abhishek Sharma, but skipper Suryakumar Yadav provided able support for the big-hitting right-hander.
The Proteas pacers and spinners all were at the receiving end of punishment throughout the first 10 overs, but the introduction of Patrick Kruger would bring about some respite. The Indian captain holed out to deep square leg, but Tilak Varma would arrive and keep the foot on the gas.
Samson and Varma added a whopping 77 from 34, and by the time Keshav Maharaj had Varma holing out, much of the damage had already been dealt.
However, there was something to cheer for, as Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee returned to brilliantly apply the brakes at the back end.
Samson reached his second T20I ton, but the fielders in the deep got plenty of catching practice as the Indian innings came to an end. They only managed 35 in the final 5 overs. At one point, 230 looked reachable, but they’d still end up with an imposing 202/8 at halftime.
The Proteas chase began with flair, with two boundaries from Aiden Markram. Unfortunately, Arshdeep Singh had him edging behind the very next delivery. This would set the tone for what would be a domineering bowling display from the tourists.
The innings briefly flickered during the Powerplay, with some intent from Ryan Rickelton. However, Arshdeep and Avesh struck at regular intervals to keep a stranglehold.
The experienced pair of Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller were unable to get going today, and both looked very much out of sorts against spinners Varun Chakaravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi.
The legspinning duo claimed three wickets apiece, and successfully derailed a chase that hardly ever had any momentum.
Coetzee provided some late entertainment, but that would only lessen the margin of defeat, as India romped their way to a commanding win.
IND 202/8 in 20 overs (Samson 107 – Coetzee 4-0-37-3, Jansen 4-0-24-1)
SA 141 all out in 17.5 overs (Klaasen 25 – Chakaravarthy 4-0-25-3, Bishnoi 4-0-28-3)
