South Africa’s dismal performance with bat
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, the South African innings crumbled for a mere 116 runs, and the Wanderers Stadium bore witness to a monumental batting collapse. The fall of wickets was nothing short of dramatic, with key players succumbing to early dismissals, leaving the Proteas in disarray.
Astonishingly, Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, and Wiaan Mulder all departed without opening their accounts, compounding the home side’s struggles.
Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan wreak havoc in Proteas camp
The architects of South Africa’s downfall were undeniably the Indian pace duo of Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan. Arshdeep’s remarkable spell saw him claim five crucial wickets, including two in successive deliveries during his opening over. Avesh Khan complemented the onslaught with four wickets of his own, wreaking havoc on the Proteas’ batting lineup.
Arshdeep’s sensational swing, coupled with Avesh’s ability to consistently hit the right areas, left the Proteas’ batters grappling for answers. The lethal combination of these two bowlers marked a sensational arrival for India in the ODI leg following the drawn T20I series.
Historic low for South Africa at Wanderers Stadium
The dismal total of 116 runs not only handed India a commanding advantage but also etched a new record as the lowest ODI total for South Africa at the Wanderers Stadium. This surpassed the previous low set during a Women’s ODI between Bangladesh and South Africa when the home side bundled out the Tigresses for 142 runs.
Also READ: Who is Akash Deep? The right-arm fast bowler selected in India’s ODI squad for South Africa tour
Social Media abuzz with praise
Unsurprisingly, social media platforms erupted with praises for India’s bowling brilliance. Fans and cricketing experts alike lauded the sharp, incisive bowling that dismantled the Proteas’ batting lineup.
Here’s how fans reacted:
𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐚 𝐭𝐡𝐚 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐣𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐲 𝐦𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐡𝐨𝐭 𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐢#SAvIND #ArshdeepSingh #AveshKhan pic.twitter.com/PlwrvEiUFz
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) December 17, 2023
𝙉𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩'𝙨 𝙖 𝙁𝙞𝙫𝙚
𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙡𝙡.
Getty • #ArshdeepSingh #SAvIND #SAvsIND #TeamIndia #BharatArmy #COTI
pic.twitter.com/yDTTq3Xj9L
— The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy) December 17, 2023
Proteas should refund fans who bought their expensive tickets. #SAvIND
— Lethabo (@CheetahPlains) December 17, 2023
Phehlukwayo scored more runs than the openers and specialist batsmen combined#SAvIND
— Pinky Sithole(@pinkysithole17) December 17, 2023
The A in 𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘦 stands for Arshdeep and Avesh!pic.twitter.com/w8Y2hagmc2
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) December 17, 2023
arshdeep singh and avesh khan taking wickets against South Africa: pic.twitter.com/fG2uDkWag4
— Vichitra.Duniya(@vichitra_duniya) December 17, 2023
It's all blue in the Pink ODI
India's pacers are on fire at the Wandererspic.twitter.com/bxp4fg0jNP
— Nauman Sarfraz (@sarfraz_nauman) December 17, 2023
Arshdeep Singh Took His Career Best 5/37 Against South Africa In First ODI#INDvsSA #INDvSA #SAvsIND #SAvIND
— Sachiin Ramdas Suryavanshi (@sachiinv7) December 17, 2023
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