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In a dazzling display of cricketing prowess, the Indian cricket team delivered a resounding performance in the opening game of the three-match ODI series against South Africa at the legendary New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. The Proteas faced a daunting challenge as the Indian bowlers orchestrated a batting collapse, resulting in them registering their lowest-ever ODI total at the iconic home venue.
South Africa’s dismal performance with bat
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, the South African innings crumbled for a mere 116 runs, and the Wanderers Stadium bore witness to a monumental batting collapse. The fall of wickets was nothing short of dramatic, with key players succumbing to early dismissals, leaving the Proteas in disarray.
Astonishingly, Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, and Wiaan Mulder all departed without opening their accounts, compounding the home side’s struggles.
Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan wreak havoc in Proteas camp
The architects of South Africa’s downfall were undeniably the Indian pace duo of Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan. Arshdeep’s remarkable spell saw him claim five crucial wickets, including two in successive deliveries during his opening over. Avesh Khan complemented the onslaught with four wickets of his own, wreaking havoc on the Proteas’ batting lineup.
Arshdeep’s sensational swing, coupled with Avesh’s ability to consistently hit the right areas, left the Proteas’ batters grappling for answers. The lethal combination of these two bowlers marked a sensational arrival for India in the ODI leg following the drawn T20I series.
Historic low for South Africa at Wanderers Stadium
The dismal total of 116 runs not only handed India a commanding advantage but also etched a new record as the lowest ODI total for South Africa at the Wanderers Stadium. This surpassed the previous low set during a Women’s ODI between Bangladesh and South Africa when the home side bundled out the Tigresses for 142 runs.
Also READ: Who is Akash Deep? The right-arm fast bowler selected in India’s ODI squad for South Africa tour
Social Media abuzz with praise
Unsurprisingly, social media platforms erupted with praises for India’s bowling brilliance. Fans and cricketing experts alike lauded the sharp, incisive bowling that dismantled the Proteas’ batting lineup.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Paid for ODI. Got a T20 instead. 🫣🤷♂️
Wassup, SA?— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) December 17, 2023
Brilliant from Arshdeep singh so far. Nice lengths with decent swing. Good to see him back in form. #SAvIND
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 17, 2023
𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐚 𝐭𝐡𝐚 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐣𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐲 𝐦𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐡𝐨𝐭 𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐢 🥱#SAvIND #ArshdeepSingh #AveshKhan pic.twitter.com/PlwrvEiUFz
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) December 17, 2023
🇮🇳🥳 𝙉𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩'𝙨 𝙖 𝙁𝙞𝙫𝙚 🌟 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙡𝙡.
📷 Getty • #ArshdeepSingh #SAvIND #SAvsIND #TeamIndia #BharatArmy #COTI🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/yDTTq3Xj9L
— The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy) December 17, 2023
Proteas should refund fans who bought their expensive tickets 😡🤦♂️. #SAvIND
— Lethabo (@CheetahPlains) December 17, 2023
Phehlukwayo scored more runs than the openers and specialist batsmen combined 👏🏾👏🏾 #SAvIND
— Pinky Sithole 💗 (@pinkysithole17) December 17, 2023
What a Spell. Career Best ODI Bowling figures for @arshdeepsinghh 5/37 and @Avesh_6 4/27 at @WanderersZA. #SAvIND @BCCI
— JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) December 17, 2023
Arshdeep Singh is the first Indian pacer to take 5 wickets in ODIs vs South Africa #SAvIND
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) December 17, 2023
#SAvIND
116 ALL OUT in 27.3 overs.But can someone tell me, why we decided to BAT FIRST? Who dosent know how to play Day ODI at Bullring?
This is just madness.
We need Cricket Rassie!— Fanele Mbuyazi (@FaneleMbuyazi8) December 17, 2023
South Africa is all out for 116 runs, and their previous lowest total at home was 118, also vs. India in Centurion 2018.#SAvIND #INDvSA #RanjiKerala #CricketTwitter #Cricket
— Team RanjiKerala (@RanjiKerala) December 17, 2023
The A in 𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘦 stands for Arshdeep and Avesh! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/w8Y2hagmc2
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) December 17, 2023
arshdeep singh and avesh khan taking wickets against South Africa: pic.twitter.com/fG2uDkWag4
— Vichitra.Duniya 🌏 (@vichitra_duniya) December 17, 2023
It's all blue in the Pink ODI 🔵💪
India's pacers are on fire at the Wanderers 🔥#SAvIND🏏 pic.twitter.com/bxp4fg0jNP
— Nauman Sarfraz (@sarfraz_nauman) December 17, 2023
Five wickets for Arshdeep Singh and Four wickets for Avesh Khan.. fantastic performance by Indian pace bowlers. #SAvIND #SAvsIND #INDvSA #INDvsSA
— Raj Goswami (@rajrocks07) December 17, 2023
South Africa bowled out for 116 at Johannesburg..!!!
Avesh Khan and Arshdeep Singh dominated the South African batting lineup as they took 9 wickets collectively
A great day at the office for the Indian Bowlers#SAvIND #SAvsIND #ArshdeepSingh #AveshKhan #INDvSA #INDvsSA #BCCI pic.twitter.com/t13yM3Zqj3
— Knuckle Ball (@Knuckleball_ev) December 17, 2023
Jo'burg is more surprising than what happened at Perth. The Perth Test result was inevitable. #PAKvAUS #SAvIND
— Aviral Rai (@cric_fan23) December 17, 2023
Arshdeep Singh Took His Career Best 5/37 Against South Africa In First ODI👏👏👏#INDvsSA #INDvSA #SAvsIND #SAvIND
— Sachiin Ramdas Suryavanshi (@sachiinv7) December 17, 2023