India defeated South Africa by 61 runs in the first T20I match in Durban. On Friday, November 8, Sanju Samson and Varun Chakravarthy combined to extend India’s dominance over South Africa, whom they beat to win the T20 World Cup earlier this year. The win helped India extend their unbeaten streak on the ground, winning their 5th match out of 7 on the ground.

India, the beloved venue of the famous bowling match between India and Pakistan, once again showed a clinical performance with both bat and ball. Sent to bat first in cloudy conditions, India posted 202/8 in the first innings and then successfully bowled out South Africa for 141 in 17.5 overs.

The win was ensured by Sanju Samson’s stunning 47-ball hundred followed by Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi’s upper-middle block that suppressed South Africa’s famous middle-order line-up in the second innings of the match.

SA vs IND, 1st T20I: Match Report

The only blemish on India’s victory was perhaps the middle order, which collapsed towards the end of the first innings. However, captain Suryakumar Yadav showed little concern for the team and said that aggressive intent would bring such risks.

India are unlikely to change their batting order as they want their strong players to perform better and give others another chance on the tour. However, they may opt to change their bowling combination for the second T20I to check their bench strength.

SA and IND, 1st T20I: Full Scorecard

Possible Changes

Axar Patel was barely used in the bowling attack. The spin-bowling all-rounder was given just one ball and batted off just 7 balls in the first innings. It is likely that Axar will be rested for the second match and Ramandeep Singh will join the team in his place. Ramandeep has had incredible success in the Indian Premier League and is expected to make his debut in this tour.

The other change may perhaps be in the fast bowling department. Avesh Khan, Yash Dayal or Vijaykumar Vyshak might also be rested for, they are also in line for release.

India’s Predicted XI

Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (week), Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel/Ramandeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan/Vijaykumar Vyshak/ Yash Dayal