RSA 116 (27.3)
IND 117/2 (16.4)
India won by 8 wkts
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Arshdeep Singh
Cricbuzzteam, South Africa vs India, India has surged ahead, securing an early lead in the series against South Africa. The contest appeared one-sided as South Africa never posed a serious threat. India cruised to victory effortlessly, making the task look easy. Interestingly, the spinners, who wreaked havoc in the previous match at the same venue, didn’t even need to showcase their skills this time. It was the pacers, Arshdeep and Avesh, who dismantled the hosts, leaving them in disarray. The target of 117 was chased down with finesse, reinforcing India’s formidable form.
The team seems unstoppable, carrying forward the momentum from their stellar performance in the T20Is at home. Once again, India is showcasing commendable form in white-ball cricket. The cricketing journey in 2023, barring the World Cup final, has been a spectacle of fantastic performances by India. The players are in sync, delivering consistently impressive cricket on the field.
Looking ahead, South Africa finds itself in the position of needing to go back to the drawing board. Some serious homework is on the horizon for the hosts before the next ODI. They’ll have to reassess their strategies, identify areas for improvement, and find a way to counter the relentless prowess of the Indian team. The series is shaping up to be a test of resilience for South Africa, and they’ll need to come back stronger in the upcoming matches to turn the tide in their favor.
KL Rahul expressed his happiness after the win, stating it’s good to have a victory under the belt. The match turned out differently than expected, and the plan was to involve the spinners more. He praised the team’s discipline, especially considering the ball movement on the pitch. Rahul emphasized the ongoing focus on Tests and T20s and commended everyone for contributing to the country’s success. He sees this as a valuable opportunity for players to gain international experience.
Arshdeep Singh, named Player of the Match, shared his joy despite feeling a bit sore. He thanked God and the team management, highlighting the unique conditions of the ground. Arshdeep expressed gratitude to KL Rahul for encouraging him to secure a five-wicket haul. He emphasized the importance of enjoying the moment and suggested focusing on what will work in upcoming matches.
Aiden Markram acknowledged the challenge after a tough loss. Winning the toss and batting first, they aimed to perform well, but Indian bowlers created difficulties from the start. Markram credited the Indian bowlers and mentioned the extended period of ball movement. He stressed the need for individual assessments and smart decision-making in different situations, emphasizing the importance of planning forward for the team.
Biggest ODI defeat for South Africa in terms of balls remaining
215 vs ENG, Nottingham, 2008
200 vs IND, Johannesburg, 2023*
188 vs AUS, Sydney, 2002
185 vs IND, Delhi, 2022
Biggest ODI wins for India in terms of balls remaining
263 vs SL, Colombo RPS, 2023 *
231 vs KEN, Bloemfontein, 2001
211 vs WI, Thiruvananthapuram, 2018
200 vs SA, Johannesburg, 2023*
— Sai Sudharsan is the 17th Indian to score 50+ runs on ODI debut.
Indian openers to score 50+ runs on ODI debut
86 – Robin Uthappa vs ENG, 2006
100* – KL Rahul vs ZIM, 2016
55* – Faiz Fazal vs ZIM, 2016
55* – Sai Sudharsan vs SA, 2023*