After a series defeat in the T20I format, South Africa bounced back in the first ODI against host India by clinching a nine-run win on Thursday. South Africa posted a total of 249 in 40 overs, but the Men in Blue could go up to 240 for eight wickets.

The match which took place at the Ekana Sports City in Uttar Pradesh was reduced to 40 overs after rain delayed its start. Led by batsman Shikhar Dhawan, team India won the toss and decided to bowl first in the match. 

Also read: India vs South Africa, 1st ODI: Records, stats and pitch report

The Indian bowlers initially did well by taking out Janneman Malan for 22 in 42 balls and Quinton De Kock for 48 in 54 balls. The next batsman, captain Temba Bhavuma, went out after scoring only eight runs from 12 balls, followed by Aiden Markram, who departed for an eight-ball duck. 

The balance in the match started tilting with Heinrich Klassen and David Miller coming on the crease. Klassen scored a 65-ball 74 and Miller made 75 runs in 63 balls sealing the win for the Proteas.

For India, Sanju Samson‘s innings will be one to remember. The Rajasthan Royals batsman put up a 63-ball 86 in after coming in at sixth in the order and remained not out till the end. 

The fact that team India was missing their big guns Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli became clear after the first four batsmen in the lineup managed to score only 46 runs. Shreyas Iyer, who came in at five, scored a 37-ball 50 and brought back India’s hope of a win. Samson’s knock also helped build the momentum further along with Shardul Thakur’s 31-ball 33. 

Also read: Rilee Rossouw’s maiden century helps SA beat hosts by 49 runs in 3rd T20I

Ultimately, in spite of the efforts from Iyer, Samson and Thakur, India’s score fell short by nine runs. 

The Men in Blue will face the Proteas again in the second ODI on Sunday, October 11 in Jharkhand.