India’s mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy picked up his first wicket in the opening T20I of the five-match series against South Africa, dismissing Donovan Ferreira. The game is taking place on Tuesday, December 9, at Cuttack’s Barabati Stadium. The breakthrough arrived on the second ball of the eighth over.
Varun bowled a good-length delivery just outside off stump, and Ferreira tried to cut it through the point region. The ball, however, rose slightly more than expected, taking the outside edge, which Jitesh Sharma safely collected behind the stumps. You can watch the video here:
https://www.bcci.tv/bccilink/videos/l4EfHwxq
The right-handed batsman struggled, managing only five runs from seven deliveries. His wicket put South Africa in trouble, as they tumbled to 50-5 in just 7.2 overs.
Varun Chakaravarthy’s Twin Strikes Give India Upper Hand In 1st T20I vs South Africa
Chasing 176, South Africa had a nightmare start as Arshdeep Singh dismissed Quinton de Kock for a duck in the very first over. He struck again in his next over, removing Tristan Stubbs for 14. Skipper Aiden Markram contributed 14 off as many balls before falling to Axar Patel. Hardik Pandya then made an impact, sending back David Miller for just one run off three deliveries.
Varun Chakravarthy continued the pressure, claiming two quick wickets, Donovan Ferreira (5) and Marco Jansen (12), to put the visitors on the back foot. Jasprit Bumrah also made a mark, dismissing Dewald Brevis (22) to register his 100th T20I wicket. At the latest update, South Africa were reeling at 68-7 after 10.2 overs, with Keshav Maharaj and Anrich Nortje yet to score.
Earlier, Hardik Pandya had starred for India with a blistering unbeaten 59 off 28 balls, hitting six fours and four sixes to help the Men in Blue post 175-6 in their 20 overs.
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