Upbeat South Africa go 1-0 up despite Samson’s valiant 86*
(The Quiver): On Thursday, South Africa registered a close win against India despite Sanju Samson’s 86 to lead the series 1-0. The match was reduced to 40 over a side after persistent rain. This was the first match played in the Ekana Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium in Lucknow.
As It Happened
After sending in to bat, South Africa made a cautious start with the bat in which the South African openers Quinton De Kock (48) and Janneman Malan (22) added 49 runs for the first wicket. India did chip in with the wickets in the middle to put the visitors 110-4 in the 23th over.
Later, fifties from H. Klassen (74*) and D. Miller (75*) ensured South Africa post a competitive total of 249 runs on a two-paced wicket.
Shardul Thakur finished with figures of 2-35 from his 8 overs.
In reply, India did not have a good start with the bat as South African bowlers kept the batters in check by bowling consistent lengths on a wicket which was assisting the bowlers initially. Later after the 25th over, Shreyas Iyer (50), Shardul Thakur (33) and Sanju Samson’s unbeaten 86* did put a fight for India but, in the end, South Africa prevailed to win the 1st match by 9 runs.
Heinrich Klassen was adjusted Man of the Match for his 74*.
