KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan are at the crease. After four overs, the Men in Blue have posted 26 runs without losing a wicket. The Indian captain was even dropped by Malan at gully. The extra bounce from a short of length outside off saw Rahul cut but it got big on him, Malan was close-in and could only get a left-hand on it, but the ball slipped from his hand.
Dhawan has taken charge as he is going a run a ball, while Rahul on the other hand is going at a steady pace. After seven overs, India has scored 45 runs and have not lost a wicket.
50 for the first wicket comes up for India! Good start from the skipper and opening batter as both have picked up the pace and the partnership is also 50 runs now. South Africa on the other side is still aiming to get the first wicket.
WICKET! A fine innings by Dhawan comes to an end. Aiden Markram did the job for the host nation. It was a good catch by Magala at deep mid-wicket. Dhawan slog-sweeps it and hit it sweetly but it wasn't placed for the deep fielder, who moved swiftly to his left and clutches on. Dhawan c Magala b Markram 29(38) [4s-5].
WICKET! Noooo, this was not how Virat Kohli was to play. After struggling to get even one, the Proteas got two quick wickets. Such a soft dismissal and Kohli is gone for a duck. One hand comes off the bat handle and Kohli drove it and he finds cover. Maharaj tossed up on middle and Kohli wanted to go over Bavuma but maybe the ball stopped on him and he couldn't keep it down. Kohli c Bavuma b Maharaj 0(5).
What has happened there? Miscommunication between Rishabh Pant and Rahul. The skipper is livid after escaping the run-out! Has a stare and words with Pant. Proteas on the other hand are also not happy after missing out on a chance to get the set batter out.
After all the blunders, the two batters are trying to steady India's innings and after 21 overs, the Men in Blue have 111 runs on the board after losing two wickets.
50! The attacker Pant has done it again. Smashed his way to reach his half-century. Apart from that iffy moment with Rahul, Pant has counter-attacked superbly. Even the skipper is inching closer towards his half-ton.
FIFTY!
A fine half-century for @RishabhPant17 off 43 deliveries. This is his 4th in ODIs.
Live - https://t.co/CYEfu9VBB1 #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/PLcYMJv0mC— BCCI (@BCCI) January 21, 2022
Highest individual scores by an Indian WK in SA (ODI):
81*R Pant v SA Paarl 2022
77 R Dravid v SA Durban 2001
65 MS Dhoni v SA Joburg 2013
62 R Dravid v Eng Durban 2003
81* is Pant's highest individual score in ODIs
Third life for Rahul as he was dropped by Markram at a backward point in the 26th over.
50! Skipper KL Rahul has reached his half-century as well. After receiving three lives, this was needed. He and Pant have also put up a 100 runs partnership as they bring India's score to 167 after the loss of two wickets.
That's a FIFTY for the Skipper.
This also brings up a 100-run partnership between @klrahul11 & @RishabhPant17
Live - https://t.co/CYEfu9VBB1 #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/L6G8zH5Lbf — BCCI (@BCCI) January 21, 2022
WICKET! The first ball after drinks and KL is gone. Rahul leading-edges the flick and van der Dussen moves to his left at a slightly straight mid-wicket position to take it. The Indian skipper shakes his head on the way back to the dressing room. Rahul c van der Dussen b Magala 55(79) [4s-4].
After 32 overs, India has 183 runs on the board. Shreyas Iyer joins Pant at the crease.
WICKET! Not again. Just India losing wicket back-to-back. Soon after Rahul, Pant follows. There is an aggressive celebration from Shamsi as he roars and screams in delight. Then has a consolatory word and a pat for the departing Pant. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter drags the lofted hit but Markram runs in from long-on and slides on his knees to take a good catch. Pant c Markram b Shamsi 85(71) [4s-10 6s-2].
Two Iyers - Shreyas and Venkatesh at the crease.