Ind Vs SA: Sanju Samson Heroics In Vain As Men In Blue Lose 1st ODI

Lucknow: Despite Sanju Samson’s best efforts, South Africa beat India by 9 runs in the first ODI in Lucknow. This is the first ODI defeat of the Men in Blue in their home ground in 2022.

With the win, South Africa earned the crucial Super League points, which they desperately need to qualify for next year’s World Cup in India.

The match has been curtailed to 40 overs a side due to rain and India had a horrendous start while chasing the 250-run target.

Chasing a target of 250, India lost two early wickets as both Shikhar Dhawan and Shubman Gill were dismissed inside the first powerplay. Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad too failed to impress.

New-look India’s batting woes continued as Gaikwad and Kishan didn’t last long, leaving the hosts at 51/4 after 17.4 overs. Left-arm wrist spinner Tabraiz Shamsi got rid of Gaikwad (19), while left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj dismissed Kishan (20).

Shreyas Iyer showed a lot of intent, smashing a 33-ball 50, before perishing soon after. Samson struggled to get going initially but picked up the pace after reaching the 50-run mark.

Earlier, unbeaten fifties from David Miller (75) and Heinrich Klaasen (74) helped South Africa post 249 for 4 in the stipulated 40 overs.

Shardul Thakur ended Malan’s (22 off 42 struggle as the opener was caught at midwicket by Shreyas Iyer. Captain Temba Bavuma’s (8) poor run with the bat continued as Thakur picked his second. Kuldeep Yadav added to South Africa’s miseries as he cleaned up Aiden Markram for a five-ball duck.