The first ODI between South Africa and India at Paarl saw the Proteas win by 31 runs. The decision of batting first by the South African captain was spot on, and the display they put on was more than enough to topple the Indians, who lost their plot completely.
Bavuma- vd Dussen pair left Indian bowling ineffective
When the hosts took the task of batting first on a slow pitch, the first ten overs made it look like they read too much into the conditions. But after their openers returned cheaply, their captain Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen constructed a monumental partnership of 204 runs in 184 balls and delivered more than what was required.
While Bavuma scored a cautious 110 runs off 143 balls, this cautiousness allowed van der Dussen to bat freely and destructively. Doing one upon his captain, Dussen not only scored 129 runs (in only 96 balls), he displayed control of 89%. In the process, he has cemented himself as the batter with the highest batting average in ODIs (73.62) with a minimum of 1000 runs.
This brilliant combination helped South Africa post a total of 296 runs, a mammoth task on this ground.
Dhawan-Kohli steadied the game in the 2nd Innings
India lost their captain KL Rahul early on in the second innings. However, the combination of their most experienced batters, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli, didn’t let them lose grip on the game.
Dhawan displayed a gentle flow in his batting and ended all the debates regarding his place in the playing 11. Kohli, too, was looking in great touch. Both of them notched brilliant fifties and built a 92-run partnership that looked like a game sealer.
While these two stalwarts were at the crease, SA bowlers had panic expressions on their faces. But it was the tactical brilliance from Bavuma to call the spinners at the right time which saw these two batters perish in tight overs.
A familiar middle-order collapse
Another tactical decision from the SA captain was finishing Maharaj’s overs before India’s lefties, Rishabh Pant and Venkatesh Iyer came to the crease. Maharaj’s ineffectiveness against left-handers might have turned the tides of the match. However, strategic use of all the bowlers available made it easy for Proteas. India collapsed from138/1 to 188/6.
India’s fragile middle-order disappointed them again, and every SA bowler made sure to grab a piece of them, barring Marco Jansen. While Shardul Thakur managed to be unbeaten, there was only little a man could do on a cricket pitch alone.
Way forward
It was a comfortable win for South Africa, which will boost their morale for the remaining games. For India, they only have themselves to blame for this. Selecting Venkatesh Iyer as an additional bowing option and not utilizing him, especially when the primary bowlers were ineffective, just asked for more trouble for the visitors. The extra 30-40 runs were the deciding factor, and KL Rahul will have to improve on this aspect to succeed in the remaining games.