India beat South Africa by 28 runs in first T20

FE Team | Published: February 19, 2018 23:59:32

India's players congratulate bowler Hardik Pandya (C/R) and fielder Shikhar Dhawan (C) after their dismissal of unseen South African batsman David Miller during the first T20I cricket match between South Africa and India at The Wanderers Cricket Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday. — AFP

JOHANNESBURG, Feb 19 (AFP): Virat Kohli limped off the field before India completed another dominant performance over South Africa in the first Twenty20 international at the Wanderers Stadium on Sunday.
Shikhar Dhawan and Bhuvneshwar Kumar were mainly responsible for India's 28-run win, just two days after the tourists completed a 5-1 thrashing of the hosts in a one-day international series.
India captain Kohli left the field 13 overs into South Africa's innings after suffering a left leg strain while batting. "I tweaked my glute a little bit. Thankfully it's not my hamstring," he said.
"I felt a little more stiffness (in the field) so I decided to go off and not be stupid and tear a muscle."
Dhawan made 72 in an Indian total of 203 for five after they were sent in to bat. Then opening bowler Kumar produced a masterly display as he claimed career-best figures of five for 24 as South Africa were restricted to 175 for nine.
Kumar took the first two wickets and put a clamp on South Africa's scoring rate with an opening spell of two for 19 in three overs, displaying superb control and changes of pace.
Then he came back to settle the contest and secure the man of the match award by taking three wickets and conceding only five runs in the 18th over.