In the first ODI match of the South Africa tour of India 2022, South Africa defeated India by nine runs at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
After witnessing rain for quite a long time, which resulted in a wet outfield, umpires had to announce that the match will only be played for 40 overs per side. Indian captain, Shikhar Dhawan won the toss and asked the visitors to bat first. It was a decent start to the innings as Quinton de Kock (49) played a fine knock along with Janneman Malan (22) in the powerplay. After Malan’s wicket, it became difficult to build a partnership with any batter. Later on, Heinrich Klassen (74) came in at number five and struck a beautiful half-century which included six fours and two sixes. With Klassen, David Miller (75*) also was in the mood to get some runs under his belt. The southpaw’s unbeaten knock took Proteas to a total of 249/4 in 40 overs.
While chasing, Indian batters had a tough time in the centre as no one really got a huge score. Shreyas Iyer (50) scored a half-century but was unable to continue till the end. Sanju Samson (86*) also tried his best till the end but failed to make opponents suffer. India only managed to get 240 on the board and therefore lost the match by mere nine runs.
Lungi Ngidi scalped three wickets tonight, while Kagiso Rabada grabbed two. One wicket each was also taken by Wayne Parnell, Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi.
For India, Shardul Thakur picked two wickets in the first innings and with him, debutant Ravi Bishnoi and Kuldeep Yadav managed to get one each as well.
Heinrich Klassen was adjudged Man of the Match for his brilliant batting performance. Following this victory, South Africa have taken lead in the three-match series by 1-0.
Scorecard:
South Africa: 249/4, Overs 40, David Miller 75*, Shardul Thakur 2/35
India: 250/8, Overs 40, Sanju Samson 86*, Lungi Ngidi 3/52