India drew first blood on Tuesday, thumping South Africa by 101 runs in Cuttack to go 1–0 up in the five-match series. After posting a reasonably competitive 175/6 in their 20 overs, the hosts completely dismantled the Proteas’ batting unit, skittling them for a paltry 74 in just 12.3 overs.

Dewald Brevis showed a glimpse of fight with a lively 22 off 14 balls, while captain Aiden Markram and Tristan Stubbs each chipped in with 14. But that was where the resistance ended.

Jasprit Bumrah - Cricinfo

Axar Patel was outstanding with the ball, returning figures of 2/7 from two overs. Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy also kept the squeeze on, each claiming a brace of wickets as South Africa folded.

While the Proteas were well below par with the bat, they believe a strong response is on the cards when they pick up the willow again on Thursday.

Batting coach Ashwell Prince said the side felt they should have been far more competitive in the chase, despite India exploiting the conditions superbly.

“Yeah, absolutely - I think any score under 180 in T20 cricket is a chaseable score,” said the former Proteas batter.

“There was a bit of bounce, but as South Africans we should be accustomed to that. The boundaries aren’t particularly big, and we’ve shown we can clear them. But the Indian bowlers asked a lot of good questions tonight, and ultimately, we weren’t able to answer.”

Prince stressed that adaptability remains one of the most important qualities for any top-level cricketer - something the Proteas will need to sharpen quickly before the second clash.

Lutho Sipamla - Cricinfo

“You used the word, and it’s the right one - adaptability,” he said.

“As a cricketer, that should be a massive part of your vocabulary. You arrive at a ground with an idea of what a surface might do, but you only really know once you bat and bowl on it. Being able to adapt to what it’s doing on the day is the key, and unfortunately in Cuttack we weren’t able to do that or find any rhythm in our batting.”

Thursday’s second T20 International between India and South Africa at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium is scheduled to start at 15:30.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport