The first match of the 3-match series was played today at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. The focus of both teams was more on the preparation of the World Cup than the series.
Rohit Sharma won the toss and decided to bowl first. In reply, the African team came out to bat and lost their five important wickets for a score of just 9 runs. Seven batsmen out of eleven in the African team could not score in double digits. But with the help of Maharaj’s 41 and Parnell’s 24 runs, the South African team scored 106 runs in 20 overs.
Have a look on Indian Bowling.
Indian fast bowlers were very impressive. In the very first over, Arshdeep Singh got a huge wicket off Quinton de Kock, and overall, he took 3 wickets in his four-over spell. Also, Harshal Patel and Deepak Chahar took 2-2 wickets.
Patel, who was the man of the series in the India vs. Australia series, took 1 wicket for 16 runs in 4 overs. R. Ashwin was given a chance in Play 11, and while he did not get any wickets, he bowled economically, allowing only 8 runs in four overs.
India won with the brilliant batting of Rahul and Suryakumar.
After the early dismissal of Rohit and Kohli, KL Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav spent some time on the ground to settle. Later both of them scored half centuries and won this match easily.
KL Rahul scored 51 runs in 56 balls with the help of four 6s and two 4s, while Suryakumar scored 50 in just 33 balls, including three 6s and five 4s.
Man of the Match: Arshdeep Singh (4-32-3).
Australia Caption Temba Bavuma Said: “As a batting unit we failed to apply ourselves in those conditions. We didn’t expect the pitch to play this way. Yes we expected it to be spicy but normally you will be able to hit through the line in this part of the world. Seamers needed runs behind then to defend. They tried their best and supported by spinners as well. I thought we fought well late with the bat. That’s a positive.“
India Team Rohit Sharma said: “The wicket was tricky. You learn a lot playing such a game. You understand what the team needs to do in tough conditions. It was nice to play a game like that. We knew the bowlers will get something seeing grass on the pitch, but we didn’t expected help for the full 20 overs. It was still damp.”
Rohit also added “Both teams were in the contest and the team that played better won the game. We started well, got 5 wickets in quick time and that was the turning point. Perfect showcase of how to bowl when there is help for the pacers. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy. Got to respect the conditions. Lost two wickets and that partnership between KL and Surya got us home.”