Kl Rahul Lost His First Match As ODI Captain

South Africa beat India by 31 runs in the first ODI

South Africa defeated India by 31 runs to take up 1-0 lead in the ODI series. The hosts scored 296 runs in 50 overs with a loss of 4 wickets.

South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma (110 off 143) and Rassie van der Dussen (129 not out off 96) helped South Africa reach a total of 296 runs.

Chasing a challenging 297, India was cruising at 138 for one before wickets fell in a heap dashing the hopes of the visitors who trail 0-1 in the three-match series. India's innings ended at 265 for eight.

Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli were looking good as both of them scored half-centuries for their side but it all came crashing down with the end of their 92-run stand.

“We had a good start and I feel the wicket was slow, it was offering a bit of turn as well. So, when you are chasing (around) 300 runs when the middle-order comes to bat, it is not easy to play shots.

"Our wickets fell in a heap and that had an impact on us as a batting unit,” Dhawan said at the virtual post-match press conference after his team suffered a 31-run loss.

“Of course, from our team, we did not have a century and we did not have a big partnership,” added the elegant left-handed batter.

The stage was set for the likes of Rishabh Pant (16), Shreyas Iyer (17) and debutant Venkatesh Iyer (2) to get the job done but they fell in quick succession, leaving India at 188 for six from a strong 138 for one.

While Pant was stumped by a lightning-quick Quinton de Kock, the shot selection of Shreyas and Venkatesh could have been better.

Shardul Thakur (50 not out off 43) tried his best towards the end but the damage had already been done.

Earlier, Jasprit Bumrah (2/48) was the stand out bowler for India.

India will face South Africa on 21 Jan at Boland Park, Paarl.