India lost the first of the five T20Is to South Africa after being unable to defend a target of 211 – which is their highest total against the Proteas in T20I history. Opener Ishan Kishan’s knock of 76 took India to a competitive total, but the bowlers botched up.
India’s bowlers managed to take only three wickets combined, with the likes of Harshal Patel, Axar Patel and Bhuvneshwar Kumar conceding more than 40 runs in their respective four overs.
Rassie Van Der Dussen and David Miller were the architect of South Africa’s seven-wicket win. While Dussen remained unbeaten on 75 off 46, Miller remained unbeaten on 64 off 31. Their knocks helped South Africa script their highest successful run-chase in the T20Is.
With this loss, India’s 12-match unbeaten streak in T20Is also came to end and a chance to create the world record for most consecutive wins in the shortest format was crushed.
Despite the loss, India will be happy to see Kishan return to form. The most expensive player of IPL 2022 had a below average season, and his inclusion in the squad for the series against South Africa was also debated.
Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant became the second-youngest captain (24y 248d) to lead India in a T20 International. The youngest captain to have led India is Suresh Raina at the age of 23y 197d.
Image credit: ICC
