NEW DELHI: Young Indian batsman Sai Sudharsan marked his international debut with a spectacular half-century, contributing significantly to India's triumph over South Africa in the first ODI.
The Men in Blue secured an emphatic eight-wicket win, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series at Johannesburg on Sunday.
'Blessed to represent the country'
Expressing his joy on social media, Sudharsan shared, "Growing up as a small kid like everybody, I also dreamt of playing for the country. So with hard work and grit, dreams do come true. Blessed to represent the country and contribute for the team. Looking forward to lots of memories."
The debutant's memorable knock of 55 in 43 balls, adorned with nine fours, played a pivotal role in the successful run chase alongside Shreyas Iyer, who scored a solid 52 in 45 balls. Sudharsan highlighted the significance of the moment, saying, "Special to receive the cap from @klrahul Bhai & it was amazing to bat with @ShreyasIyer15 Bhai."
Sai's prolific domestic record
Sudharsan, known for his prolific performances in first-class and List-A cricket, had an impressive record with 843 runs in 12 first-class matches at an average of 42.15.In List-A cricket, he boasted 1,354 runs in 26 matches at a remarkable average of 63.04, with six centuries and five fifties.His T20I statistics were equally impressive, aggregating 976 runs at an average of 37.53.
'Five-star' Arshdeep
In the first ODI, South Africa's decision to bat first backfired as Indian pacers Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan wreaked havoc.
Arshdeep claimed a remarkable five-wicket haul (5/37), while Avesh contributed with four crucial wickets (4/27). The Proteas were bundled out for a meager 116 in 27.3 overs.
Arshdeep, rightfully earning the 'Player of the Match' award, proved to be the architect of South Africa's downfall. Spinner Kuldeep Yadav also chipped in with a wicket for India.
1/10:Arshdeep, Avesh on fire as India crush Proteas in 1st ODI
AFP
2/10:Pacers demolish SA
<p>Pacers Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan set up a convincing eight-wicket win for India in the first ODI against South Africa at the Wanderers on Sunday.<br /></p>AFP
3/10:Fifer for Arshdeep
<p>Left-armer Arshdeep took five for 37 and Avesh claimed four for 27 as South Africa crashed to 116 all out.<br /></p>AFP
4/10:50 on debut for Sudharsan
<p>New cap Sai Sudharsan and Shreyas Iyer hit half-centuries as India needed just 16.4 overs to reach the target.<br /></p>Getty Images
5/10:Kuldeep joins fun
<p>Kuldeep Yadav was the only spinner used, taking the last wicket at a cost of three runs in 2.3 overs.<br /></p>AFP
6/10:A disappointing performance
<p>South Africa were bowled out for their lowest total on home soil in the 50-over format, narrowly underperforming the previous worst mark of 118 - also against India - in Pretoria in 2018. <br /></p>AFP
7/10:Markram blames conditions
<p>After the defeat, South African captain Aiden Markram admitted there had been more help for the seam bowlers than he anticipated when he won the toss and decided to bat.<br /></p>AFP
8/10:Arshdeep steps up
<p>Arshdeep, who had not taken a wicket in three previous ODIs, and Avesh, with three wickets in five appearances, stepped up to the challenge in emphatic fashion.<br /></p>Getty Images
9/10:Sai, Iyer fifties
<p>Debutant left-handed opener Sudharsan scored an elegant 55 not out in 43 balls, including nine fours. He was supported by Shreyas Iyer, who was caught with victory in sight having scored 52 from 45 balls. <br /></p>Getty Images
10/10:Second rubber on Tuesday
<p>The second game in the 3-match series will be played in Gqeberha on Tuesday. Both teams are missing several of their regular players, who are either injured or rested for the two-match Test series that follows.<br /><br /></p>APSai & Iyer take India home
In the run chase, India lost Ruturaj Gaikwad early, but the composed partnership between debutant Sudharsan and Iyer sealed the game for India with over 33 overs to spare. The victory sets a positive tone for India in the series, with fans eagerly anticipating more stellar performances from the debutant in the matches to come.
(With inputs from ANI)
