Last Updated on November 8, 2024 by Prabhukalyan Dhal
India vs South Africa T20I series kicked off its first match with great anticipation at Kingsmead, Durban, on November 8, 2024. Both teams came in with points to prove, and the opening encounter did not disappoint. South Africa’s captain Aiden Markram won the toss and opted to bowl, setting the stage for an intense start. Here’s a detailed look at how the action unfolded in this thrilling contest.
India vs South Africa T20I: Samson’s Powerful Start
India’s innings kicked off with Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma opening the batting. From the get-go, Samson looked in terrific form, blazing through the initial overs. He quickly reached a half-century in just 27 balls, launching a brutal assault on South Africa’s bowlers. The powerplay ended with India at a strong 56/1, setting a solid platform for a big total. Samson’s remarkable run continued as he went on to score his second consecutive T20I century, reaching the milestone in a mere 47 balls. His innings were filled with powerful shots, including multiple sixes, which brought fans to their feet.
India vs South Africa T20: Suryakumar and Samson Dominate
Following Abhishek Sharma’s dismissal, Suryakumar Yadav came to the crease and joined Samson in the middle. Together, they maintained a swift scoring pace. Suryakumar’s clean hitting and Samson’s aggressive gameplay had the South African bowlers struggling to find answers. Suryakumar contributed a valuable 34 runs before being dismissed in a long, tense over filled with extras from Patrick Kruger. After his wicket, Tilak Varma supported Samson, adding to India’s momentum before falling later on. By the 10th over, India was firmly positioned at 99/2.
India vs South Africa Live: Samson’s Record-Breaking Knock Sets India Ahead
In a sensational batting display, Sanju Samson has scored his second consecutive T20I century, reaching the milestone in just 47 balls and leading India to a dominant position. By the 10-over mark, India was sitting comfortably at 99 runs, with Samson firing on all cylinders. His half-century came up in just 27 balls, setting the tempo early on. Despite losing Tilak Varma, who added steady support, Samson’s relentless hitting helped India achieve 56/1 by the end of the powerplay and carry that momentum forward. This aggressive start has placed South Africa under immense pressure as they gear up for a challenging chase.
India vs South Africa T20 2024: South Africa’s Chase Begins
Chasing India’s formidable total, South Africa faced an uphill battle. Ryan Rickelton and Markram opened the batting, aiming to set a strong foundation. Despite their best efforts, Arshdeep Singh struck early, picking up a crucial wicket that set South Africa back. The Proteas’ middle order, featuring power hitters like Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, and Tristan Stubbs, was expected to lead the counter-attack. These players were instrumental in South Africa’s T20 World Cup campaign, and hopes were high that they could replicate their big-hitting prowess on home soil.
India vs South Africa Live Score: Samson’s Century and Crucial Powerplay Wickets
India’s bowlers made an immediate impact after setting a challenging target, with Arshdeep Singh taking key wickets early on. His disciplined swing bowling disrupted South Africa’s top order, putting them on the back foot from the start. As South Africa tried to gain momentum, they struggled against the tight spells from Ravi Bishnoi and Varun Chakravarthy, who kept the pressure high in the middle overs. These crucial breakthroughs have given India control, making South Africa’s chase an uphill task as they face a rising required run rate.
Key Takeaways from the 1st India vs South Africa T20I Match
- Sanju Samson’s Century: Samson’s 47-ball century was the highlight of the match, featuring a blitz of boundaries and towering sixes.
- South Africa’s Bowling Struggles: Without Rabada and Nortje, South Africa’s pace attack struggled to contain the Indian onslaught.
- Arshdeep Singh’s Key Wickets: Arshdeep’s early breakthroughs put South Africa on the back foot, ensuring a challenging chase.
This exciting match has set a thrilling tone for the rest of the series, with India demonstrating both batting strength and a cohesive bowling performance. With three more T20Is to follow, cricket fans can expect further riveting encounters as South Africa aims for a comeback on home turf.
For live scores, in-depth match details, and player statistics, visit the official India vs South Africa T20I series page on ESPNcricinfo.
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