In the end it was a comprehensive win for India, as they beat South Africa by 28 runs in the first T20I at Johannesburg.
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Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Shikhar Dhawan were the stars for India, as the pair were the stand out performers for their team.
After Rohit got India off to a flying start, the likes of Kohli, Raina, Dhoni and Pandey contributed to boost India past 200. In reply, Bhuvi became the first Indian to take a five-wicket haul in T20Is, as the total was far too much for South Africa to chase.
Here are the player ratings!
PLAYER RATINGS
Shikhar Dhawan – 9/10
Dhawan was superb for India, as his fluent 72 helped set up a huge total. His knock cam off just 39 balls, making it one of the best T20I innings that he has played in recent times.
Rohit Sharma – 5/10
Rohit started off in style, as he scored 14 runs in the opening over. But he could not capitalize on the start, as he was eventually dismissed for 21 in double quick time.
Virat Kohli – 6/10
For once, Virat Kohli failed with the bat, as the Indian captain was trapped plumb in front by Shamsi. It was lucky for the hosts, as Kohli was looking in great touch too.
Suresh Raina – 5/10
Coming back into his team after almost a year, Raina started off like a house on fire. Unfortunately for him, it was a very brief comeback with the ball as he dismissed in 7 balls. He did snap up some good catches in field, making it a very fruitful return to international cricket.
Manish Pandey – 6/10
Pandey got a great opportunity today as he played a very steady innings of 29 to steer India past 200. His inability to accelerate at the end though was a concern though for his team.
Hardik Pandya – 7/10
A decent outing with the bat was followed by a good spell with the ball. Pandya was also involved in a run-out which completed a pretty good day for Pandya.
MS Dhoni – 6/10
Dhoni played another small cameo, but his lack of big hits at the end will remain a small concern for the team management.
Bhuvnneshwar Kumar– 9/10 (Man of the Match)
It was a fantastic match for Bhuvi, as the pace bowler was in fine form. He became the first Indian to pick up at least five-wickets in all three formats of the game.
Jaydev Unadkat – 7/10
Another good performance with the ball, as Jaydev Unadkat bowled really well in the middle overs.
Yuzvendra Chahal – 6/10
Not a great outing for the leggie, as he was taken to the cleaners in the middle of the innings. He did pick up a wicket right at the death to return with figures of 1/39 in his four overs.
Jasprit Bumrah – 6/10
A decent performance by the young pacer, who looks a little jaded after a grueling tour. Unfortunately he did not pick up any wickets in this match.
