In a historic moment, 24-year-old pacer Arshdeep Singh etched his name on the cricket annals as the first Indian fast bowler to claim a five-wicket haul against South Africa in ODIs. The remarkable feat unfolded during the opening ODI clash between India and South Africa in Johannesburg. Arshdeep showcased exceptional skill, seizing 5/37 in 10 overs at an impressive economic rate of 3.7. His fiery bowling dismantled the South African top order, dismissing key players such as Reeza Hendricks, Tony de Zorzi, Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen, and all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo.

This accomplishment positions Arshdeep as the fourth Indian bowler to achieve a five-wicket haul against South Africa in ODIs. Sunil Joshi, a spinner, set the precedent in 1999 with a remarkable 5/6. Subsequently, spinners Yuzvendra Chahal (5/22) in 2018 at Centurion and Ravindra Jadeja (5/33) in 2023 at Kolkata achieved similar milestones.

Reflecting on his outstanding performance, Arshdeep shared his strategy, emphasizing simplicity and expressing pride in opening his ODI wicket account with a five-wicket haul. Despite challenging conditions, including surprising movement on the pitch and scorching heat, Arshdeep credited adaptability as key for bowlers.

In the game itself, the Proteas’ decision to bat first backfired as Indian pacers Arshdeep and Avesh Khan wreaked havoc. Only De Zorzi and Phehlukwayo made decent contributions as South Africa were bowled out for 116 in 27.3 overs. Arshdeep (5/37) and Avesh (4/27) emerged as the standout bowlers for India, with spinner Kuldeep Yadav securing one wicket.

As India set out to chase 117 runs for victory and a 1-0 series lead, Arshdeep’s phenomenal performance undoubtedly set the stage for an exciting cricket encounter.

The home captain set a challenging target of 326 for the visitors. During a tense period, the captain steadied the effort and then finished strongly with three sixes off Sam Curran in the penultimate over, securing an unbeaten 109 and winning the match. This performance surpassed the previous record of 276 by the West Indies against Sri Lanka in 2021 as the highest successful run-chase in an ODI at the venue.Shai Hope was named “Man of the Match” for his innings of 83 deliveries, featuring seven sixes and four fours. Shepherd also played a vital role, scoring 48 off 28 balls in a partnership that helped the West Indies get back into the match.

Hope stressed that his priority is winning matches over individual stats, and he credited Shepherd for making a significant contribution.. Despite Alick Athanaze’s 66 at the top of the order and an opening stand of 104 with Brandon King, the match seemed to slip away from the West Indies at 213 for five in the 39th over.

In the England innings, Harry Brook held things together in the middle overs, but aggressive starts and finishes lifted them to a competitive total of 325 all out. Phil Salt and Will Jacks opened with a rapid 77 at almost 10 runs per over. The West Indies bowlers then slowed the scoring rate, but late contributions from Sam Curran and Brydon Carse boosted England’s total.

Jos Buttler praised the West Indies’ batting effort, especially Hope’s special innings with support from Shepherd. After a disappointing World Cup defense in India, England now faces a must-win situation in the second match at the same venue on Wednesday.