India and South Africa began their 3rd bilateral meeting in the calendar year 2022 with the first T20 at Kerala. India won the toss and elected to field as the pitch had something in it for the seamers right from the start. The Indian bowlers decimated the South African top order as the visitors could score a mere 107. Indian team too were given a mighty scare during the chase of the small total by the visiting pacers.
Kagiso Rabada urges Bavuma to take the DRS –
India lost the wicket of Rohit Sharma early for a duck with the score reading 9 in the 3rd over. The incident in question happened in the 5th ball of the 5th over bowled by Kagiso Rabada. The fast bowler had the ball rap KL Rahul on the pads and he went up for an LBW appeal. While Quinton De Kock did not seem sure the rest of the South African team urged Bavuma to go up for the DRS.
— Richard (@Richard10719932) September 28, 2022
Rabada displeased when decision stays not out –
The South African captain went up for the DRS and when the video was played it was seen the impact was outside off stump. The visitors had lost a review and Rahul stayed on to fight on a difficult wicket to bat on. Rabada while walking back had a word with the umpire telling him that Rahul hadn’t offered a shot. In case a batter doesn’t offer a shot the impact of the ball doesn’t matter. The umpire and the 3rd umpire though felt that Rahul had offered a shot.
— Richard (@Richard10719932) September 28, 2022
India loses two early wickets –
Chasing 108 from 20 overs it seemed as if it would be a cakewalk, but Rohit Sharma was out for a 2nd ball duck. Virat Kohli fresh of a 63 against Australia on Sunday, was looking to take the attack to the visitors. Nortje though had the ball bounce a bit more and got the edge of Kohli for 3 off 9 balls. This had India in trouble at 17/2 from 6.1 overs, which was their worst ever show in the powerplays.
Rahul and SKY take India home –
Fresh off being crowned the 2nd best batter in T20I cricket, Surya Kumar Yadav came to the crease at 4. The first two balls saw him deposit Nortje for sixes and from there it was a case of India strolling to the finish line. KL Rahul played a circumspect knock at one stage being 15 off 32 balls. Once the duo settled both played their shots and took the team home. Rahul finished off the game with a six as he reached 51 from 56 balls with 2 fours and 4 sixes. Yadav was not out on 50 off 33 balls with 5 fours and 3 sixes to give India a 1-0 lead in the series.
The 2nd game will be played on 2nd October at the Baraspara stadium at Guwhati on Sunday as India go into the game with a 1-0 lead.