BCCI decided to send the primary Indian team to Australia to prepare for the upcoming World Cup. The Indian B team has been picked to play the ODI series against South Africa. This was a golden opportunity for youngsters to prove their talent and grabbed a spot in the main squad. But young India batters failed and handed their team a costly loss in the 1st ODI.
South Africa played their main team in the match and scored a total of 249/4 in 40 overs (overs reduced due to rain). Henrich Klassen (74) and David Miller (75) made an unbroken solid partnership of 139 runs for the fifth wicket. Quinton de Kock (48) played a handy knock as well. Shardul Thakur (2/35) and Kuldeep Yadav (1/39) shined with the ball for India.
This was a moderate score to chase. But Indian top-order failed miserably. Openers Shikhar Dhawan and Shubman Gill went back within the first five overs. Youngsters Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ishan Kishan also failed to make an impact. After the top order failed, Shreyas Iyer (50) and Sanju Samson (86) played responsible innings. After Iyer got out, Samson got good support from Thakur (33). But the slow run rate increased the required rate and eventually India needed 30 runs in the last over. Still, Samson managed to score 20 runs. Finally, India ended its innings at 240/8.
India lost the match by 9 runs. South Africa leads the series by 1-0. If young batters have shined, India would have won the game. We have to see if they redeem themselves in the next match. The second ODI will take place at Ranchi on October 9.
