India’s young batters were overwhelmed by the Proteas bowling attack in a hard-fought series opener. South Africa hold a 1-0 series lead heading into match two of the series and can clinch the trophy on Sunday.
India vs South Africa | 9 October 2022 | Jharkhand State Cricket Stadium | 10:00
To Win Match
India 5/4 | Tie 25/1 | South Africa 67/100
India
The top order failed India but there were plenty of positives to take out of the match for Shikhar Dhawan and company.
Sanju Samson proved brilliant in getting India close even if he couldn’t manage to get his team over the line in the end.
Shardul Thakur gave a timely reminder of his skills with the ball as India face a spell without Jasprit Bumrah.
India will need to avoid losing wickets early to keep the Proteas bowlers firmly on the back foot.
South Africa
Quinton de Kock threatened to find form during a solid knock in the first ODI and will hope for more time in the middle.
Temba Bavuma’s string of failures with the bat have left selectors to make a very difficult call.
It doesn’t help that Heinrich Klaasen came straight in and made an immediate impact, at least not from Bavuma’s point of view.
Bowling was again the Proteas’ great strength and Kagiso Rabada was the man who struck the key blows against the hosts last time out.
Verdict: India 5/4
Indi should fight back to send the series to a decider out in Delhi on Tuesday.
