IND vs SA (1st T20) – Highlights
In this article, we will discuss the exciting 1st T20I between IND and SA, held in Durban on November 8, 2024, as part of India’s tour of South Africa. India showcased a dominant performance, setting a challenging target of 203 after scoring 202/8 in their 20 overs. Despite their best efforts, South Africa was bowled out for 141 in 17.5 overs after faltering in the chase. India got off to a great start in the T20I series with this 61-run victory that showcased their potent batting lineup and potent bowling attack.
In a thrilling innings, India posted a commanding total of 202/8 against South Africa, driven by an explosive century from Sanju Samson. Samson led the charge with a remarkable 107 off just 50 balls, striking 7 fours and 10 sixes at an incredible strike rate of 214.00.
His powerful hitting kept India’s run rate high throughout, with his innings reaching a climax as he hammered the bowlers all around the park before falling to Nqabayomzi Peter in the 16th over.
IND got off to a steady start but lost Abhishek Sharma early for 7, bringing Suryakumar Yadav to the crease. Yadav, the Indian skipper, contributed a quick 21 off 17 balls, including two boundaries and a six, before being dismissed by Patrick Kruger. Tilak Varma added further momentum with a brisk 33 off 18 balls, hitting 3 fours and 2 sixes before being caught off Keshav Maharaj.
However, the middle order saw a few quick dismissals as Hardik Pandya (2), Rinku Singh (11), and Axar Patel (7) struggled to capitalize on the foundation laid by Samson. Towards the end, Arshdeep Singh (5 not out) and Ravi Bishnoi (1) pushed India’s total past the 200 mark.
SA’s bowlers had a mixed performance, with Gerald Coetzee emerging as the most successful, claiming 3 wickets for 37 runs. Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj bowled economically, each picking up a wicket, while Peter and Kruger struggled with their economy, conceding runs at high rates.
Chasing a target of 203, South Africa struggled to build momentum and were bowled out for 141 in 17.5 overs, handing India a comprehensive 61-run victory. South Africa’s innings started on a shaky note as skipper Aiden Markram fell in the first over for 8, caught by Sanju Samson off Arshdeep Singh.
Ryan Rickelton then gave a quickfire 21 off 11 balls, but his stay was cut short by Varun Chakravarthy, who went on to take three crucial wickets. Tristan Stubbs (11) and Heinrich Klaasen (25) tried to stabilize the innings but couldn’t keep up with the required run rate.
Middle-order contributions from David Miller (18), Marco Jansen (12), and Andile Simelane (6) were brief, with none of the batters able to settle. Ravi Bishnoi also made an impact, claiming three wickets, including Kruger and Jansen, to dismantle South Africa’s middle and lower order. Gerald Coetzee’s quick 23 off 11 balls, featuring three sixes, was the lone spark in the latter stages, but it wasn’t enough to rescue the innings.
India’s bowlers showcased a disciplined effort, with Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi each picking up three wickets and Avesh Khan contributing with two. South Africa’s wickets fell in rapid succession, ultimately succumbing to India’s relentless bowling attack, ending the chase 61 runs short.
India vs South Africa Scoreboard
India– 202/8 (20)
South Africa– 141 (17.5/20)
Result – India won by 61 runs
Player of the Match – Sanju Samson
IND vs SA Playing XI
India
Sanju Samson (WK), Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Varun Chakravarthy
South Africa
Aiden Markram (C), Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen (WK), David Miller, Patrick Kruger, Marco Jansen, Andile Simelane, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Nqabayomzi Peter