In the end, 203 was too steep a total to chase for the South Africans, as India took a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series.
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Earlier in the day, Rohit Sharma gave India a flying start, as the Indian opener smashed the first over for 14 runs. While Rohit was dismissed soon after that, Dhawan and Kohli continued the momentum for the Indian side.
Kohli then had to depart quickly, as the Indian skipper for once failed with the bat. Dhawan continued on his merry way though, as the left hander smashed his way to 72 of 39 deliveries.
Pandya, Dhoni and Pandey hit some lusty blows to take India past 200. In reply, South Africa managed 175 in reply as Reeza Hendricks top scored with a superb 70. The opener and Behardien briefly staged a good partnership that threatened the Indian score.
But eventually it was too much to ask for the hosts. Bhuvneshwar Kumar was the star with the ball, as the pacer picked up his first five-wicket haul in T20Is.
Here are the Twitter reactions!
Congratulations team India winning the first T20 match , enjoyed watching it for a while last two & three overs. #INDvsSA
— Priya Prakash Varrier (@priya_Varriers) February 18, 2018
wow Bhuvneshwar Kumar becomes the first INDIAN bowler to take a 5 wicket haul in T20I 😍 amazing bowling by him throughout the tour 👌 #INDvsSA
— Shehryar Khan (@Pathan_007_) February 18, 2018
This is the First Overseas
Win for India under Rohit’s Captaincy!#INDvsSA— Sterlite வம்பு (@writter_vambu) February 18, 2018
Another easy win by team India @BCCI well played jatt ji top knock @SDhawan25 paa and what a spell 5 wikts in t20 @BhuviOfficial top affort bro 👏👏👏🇮🇳🙏😊🏏 #T20 #INDvsSA t20 1-0 👏👏👏🇮🇳
— Rahul Sharma (@ImRahulSharma3) February 18, 2018
This current Indian cricket team is slowly killing cricket.
All the matches are so dominantly one-sided, makes for painful viewing. #INDvsSA— Mriga (@jst_a_scribbler) February 18, 2018
Well begun is half done. Great start to the T20 series. Great striking from @SDhawan25 and brilliant bowling by the trickster @BhuviOfficial . Great victory #SAvsIND pic.twitter.com/TxfeAEUjFO
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) February 18, 2018
Congratulations India on another clinical victory. Brilliant innings from Shikhar and another wonderful spell from Bhuvneshwar Kumar, a five wicket haul. #SAvsIND
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) February 18, 2018
5 for, What a terrific spell from Bhuvneshwar Kumar. How good Kohli has been, has under shadowed the tremendous season Bhuvi has. #SAvsIND
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) February 18, 2018
Yes, Virat Kohli scored 500-plus. Yes, Chahal-Yadav took 33 wickets. Yes, Bumrah has had a breakthrough trip.
But… Bhuvneshwar Kumar… India’s MVP on this tour, and mostly everywhere overseas. #SAvInd
— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) February 18, 2018
The most improved India player – Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) February 18, 2018
