In a display of formidable bowling prowess, pacers Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan led a second-string Indian team to a resounding eight-wicket victory over South Africa in the opening ODI. India now takes a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Arshdeep Singh, previously without a wicket in his last three ODIs, turned the tide with a stunning maiden five-wicket haul. He claimed figures of 5 for 37 in his 10 overs, while Avesh Khan provided equally menacing support with 4 wickets for 27 runs in 8 overs. The Proteas, facing the might of the Indian pace attack, were bundled out for a mere 116 runs in 27.3 overs.

Chasing the modest target, debutant B Sai Sudharshan showcased his prowess with an unbeaten 55 off 43 balls, guiding India to victory in just 16.4 overs. His elegant strokes, both on the front foot and back foot, made the chase look like a cakewalk. Shreyas Iyer (52 off 45 balls) complemented Sudharshan's efforts, displaying fine form ahead of the upcoming Test series.

The star of the day, however, was the Indian pace attack, reminiscent of the senior duo Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah. Arshdeep, who had faced criticism for inconsistency in T20Is, silenced his critics by dismantling the Proteas top order within the first Powerplay, securing four crucial wickets. Avesh Khan, bowling fast and full, added to the Proteas' woes, hurrying the batters for pace.

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Notably, only three players from India's World Cup final playing eleven were part of the current team, emphasizing the effectiveness of India's backup pacers. The duo of Arshdeep and Avesh pitched the ball up effectively, keeping the South African batters rooted to the crease and leaving them in disarray.

The Proteas, usually formidable at the 'Bull Ring,' found themselves on the receiving end of a relentless Indian bowling display. Arshdeep's variation, including a deceptive in-dipper that dismantled Heinrich Klaasen's stumps, showcased the depth of his skillset.

In response, the Indian batting, led by Sudharshan and Iyer, chased down the target with ease, underlining the dominance of the second-string Indian team in the series opener. As the teams gear up for the remaining ODIs, India's pacers, particularly Arshdeep Singh, have set the stage for an exciting series against South Africa.

Brief Scores:

South Africa: 116 all out in 27.3 overs (Tony de Zorzi 28, Andile Phehlukwayo 33; Arshdeep Singh 5/37, Avesh Khan 4/27).
India: 117 for 2 in 16.4 overs (Sai Sudharsan 55 not out, Shreyas Iyer 52).


Inputs from PTI