By Razeen Gutta
- Hardik Pandya smashed fifty nine runs to rescue India before the bowlers destroyed the South African batting lineup.
- Captain Aiden Markram says the team failed to build partnerships but promises they will bounce back in Chandigarh on Thursday.
It was a total disaster for the Proteas.
They didn’t just lose the first match against India; they completely collapsed.
Chasing a target of 176 runs should have been a fair fight. Instead, the South African team was bowled out for just 74 runs.
It is their lowest total ever in T20 international history.
The batting lineup fell apart in just 12.3 overs. Young Dewald Brevis tried his best, top-scoring with 22 runs, but no one else could stay at the crease.
India had their own struggles earlier in the day. Their top order stumbled to 78-4.
But Hardik Pandya changed the game. He went on a rampage, smashing six fours and four sixes to finish with 59 not out. His power hitting lifted India to a competitive 175-6.
When it was South Africa’s turn to bat, the Indian bowlers showed no mercy.
Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh tore through the order. Every single bowler used by India took at least one wicket.
Proteas captain Aiden Markram knows it was a bad day at the office.
“The biggest factor was obviously not being able to build partnerships,” Markram said after the match.
He admitted they failed to get any momentum but promised to try again soon.
“It’s a quick turnaround and we’ll give it another crack in a couple of days’ time,” he added.
India now leads the five-match series 1-0. The Proteas have to fix their mess quickly before the second match in Chandigarh on Thursday.
Pictured above: The Indian team celebrates their win.
Image source: @bcci
