South Africa vs India, 1st ODI Match Highlights: IND won by 8 wickets

The much-awaited clash between India (IND) and South Africa (SA) is set to unfold at Johannesburg's New Wanderers Stadium on Sunday, December 17. This ODI match comes after a levelled T20 series at 1-1, adding more excitement to the contest. As both teams transition to the longer format, they will aim to test their mettle before the impending IPL auction and the imminent SA T20 league. While the cricketing world largely focuses on T20Is, this 3-match ODI series holds great significance as a launching pad for many players eyeing permanent spots in both squads. It also serves as a platform for players to showcase their prowess and cement their roles in the team's long-term strategy, with the T20I World Cup looming in six months. This article delves into the match details, key statistics, predicted playing XI, and more.

 

Match Highlights

South Africa Inning:

South Africa (SA) won the toss and chose to bat against India. However, the South African batters faced significant challenges while facing the formidable Indian bowlers. Early on in the game, Arshdeep Singh made a strong impact by taking two consecutive wickets. He dismissed Hendricks and Dussen without allowing them to score a single run. In the 8th over, Singh struck again, this time removing Zorzi who had scored 28 runs off 22 balls with 2 fours and 2 sixes. In the final over of the powerplay, Singh once again showcased his skills by dismissing the skilled Klaasen after he had scored 6 runs off 9 balls. By the end of the powerplay, South Africa had managed to add only 52 runs to their total while losing four wickets in the process.

After the powerplay phase, Aiden Markram unfortunately got out to Avesh Khan, managing to score only 12 runs from 21 balls with 2 boundaries. In the very next ball, Avesh struck once more and sent Mulder back to the pavilion without scoring any runs. Continuing his impressive performance, Avesh Khan also took the wickets of David Miller (2) and Keshav Maharaj (4) in the subsequent overs. 

India Inning:

India had a great start while chasing the target of 117 runs. They scored 61 runs and lost only 1 wicket during the powerplay. Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 5 runs off 10 balls before getting out early. Sai Sudharsan, in his ODI debut, played exceptionally well and scored an unbeaten 55 runs off 43 balls with 9 boundaries. Shreyas Iyer also contributed with a score of 52 runs off 45 balls, including 6 fours and 1 six. In just 16.4 overs, India comfortably achieved the target, losing only 2 wickets.

 

Top Performers of the Match
 

 

 

Match Details

The highly anticipated clash between South Africa and India in the 1st ODI is set to take place at the iconic New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. Cricket fans around the world are eagerly awaiting this showdown, which is scheduled for Sunday, December 17, at 1:30 PM IST. Both teams have been preparing diligently for this match and are ready to give it their all on the field. It promises to be a thrilling contest between two cricketing giants, South Africa and India.

New Wanderers Stadium Pitch Report and Conditions

The Wanderers Stadium pitch is known for its consistent bounce, favoring batters with its flat track. It has witnessed some epic encounters in the past, including South Africa's famous 435-run chase against Australia. Considered a paradise for batters and a challenging ground for bowlers, the pitch history underscores its tendency to support high-scoring encounters. With 53 ODIs played here, the average first-inning total stands at 241. Teams batting second hold a slight advantage, winning 30 out of the 53 matches, indicating a balanced yet favorable pitch for chasing sides.

Head-to-Head Record in ODIs

India and South Africa have faced each other in 91 ODIs, with South Africa winning 50 matches and India winning 38. Three matches ended in no result. The first ODI between the two teams was played on November 10, 1991, and the most recent encounter took place on November 5, 2023.

Probable Top Performers

Best Batter: Rinku Singh

Rinku Singh's selection in the ODI squad reflects the promise he holds as a talented player. Transitioning to the longer format presents a new challenge for him, but his impressive performances in T20 cricket showcase his batting prowess. With his eyes set on maintaining his stellar form, Singh's debut in the upcoming 1st ODI makes him a player worth keeping a close watch on.

Best Bowler: Mukesh Kumar

Mukesh Kumar, who made his international debut in 2023, enjoys substantial backing from the Indian team. He is expected to take on the role of the first-change bowler in the upcoming ODI. Renowned for his precision, Kumar relies heavily on maintaining a consistent line and length. His height grants him valuable bounce, adding to the challenge for batters when he hits his bowling rhythm. With his skills, Kumar has the potential to be a formidable prospect on the field.

SA vs IND Playing XI

SA Playing XI: Reeza Hendricks, Tony de Zorzi, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram (c), Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger, Tabraiz Shamsi

Bench: Lizaad Williams, Ottniel Baartman, Mihlali Mpongwana, Kyle Verreynne

Support Staff: Jean-Paul Duminy, Rob Walter, Rory Kleinveldt

IND Playing XI: KL Rahul (c & wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Shreyas Iyer, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar

Bench: Rajat Patidar, Rinku Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Washington Sundar, Akash Deep

Support Staff: Rahul Dravid, Vikram Rathour, Paras Mhambrey

Today’s Match Prediction

Considering the form and depth of the Indian team, they are favored to win the match against South Africa in the 1st ODI. However, cricket is a game of uncertainties, and anything can happen on the day. The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. It is always advisable to consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.

Conclusion

The 1st ODI between India and South Africa promises to be an exciting clash between two cricketing giants. As both teams gear up for the match, they will be looking to fine-tune their strategies and make a statement ahead of the T20I World Cup. The New Wanderers Stadium pitch is expected to provide an exhilarating contest between bat and ball, with high-scoring encounters being a common sight. With talented players like Rinku Singh and Mukesh Kumar expected to shine, fans can expect an intense battle between these two teams. So, mark your calendars and get ready for a thrilling ODI series between India and South Africa.