Related Links: India Tour of South Africa 2013/14 Schedule | Scorecard of SA Vs Ind – 1st ODI at Johannesburg
Dale Steyn
India crashed to a humiliating 141-run defeat in the First ODI at Johannesburg but that was on expected lines looking at the South African bowling attack. The South African fast bowlers – six in number all got enough kick and sideways movements to make the Indian batsmen struggle. Except for Skipper MS Dhoni, who scored a brilliant 65 from 71 balls, the other batsmen looked out of sorts against the pace battery. Virat Kohli showed some promise scoring 31 while Rohit Sharma looked good in defence.
One has got to say that this defeat wasn’t really demoralizing for India as it gave them valuable insights of what would be coming at them in the First Test which is at this same venue. India bowled out for 217 chasing SA’s target of 359 did get some positives. Dhoni’s application was outstanding and Kohli showed that he has the spark to counter the best of fast bowlers on seaming and bouncy tracks.
As usual Dale Steyn was unplayable, moving the ball at brisk speeds. Morne Morkel was unplayable in his own style, getting the ball to bounce awkwardly at speeds of 145 kmph. Dale Steyn took three wickets and so did Ryan McLaren although the latter was quite erratic conceding plenty of wides.
Video Report of South Africa Vs India – 1st ODI at Johannesburg
