Cricket Scorecard

We are back for the run chase! The umpires are back out in the middle as Suryakumar Yadav can be seen leading his team in the huddle before the Indian players stride onto the field. It will be the duo of Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock to open the innings for South Africa. 

... The Run Chase ...

Right then, 176 is what South Africa need to make it 3-0 against India in T20Is at this venue. The dew will also play a major role but there is enough purchase for the frontline pacers to do damage in the early overs. India are still a few runs short but with the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh in the side, the Protea batters would want to see them off rather than go hard in the Powerplay. It should be a cracking chase, so stay tuned.

Hardik Pandya was the wrecker-in-chief in the death overs and spoiled all the good work done by the likes of Ngidi and Jansen as he took Lutho Sipamla and especially Anrich Nortje apart. Sipamla had bowled well until that final over but Nortje's extra pace ended up being a boon for the batters at the death. Pandya's unbeaten knock of 59 off just 28 balls could be the difference between the two sides. For South Africa, Ngidi bowled brilliantly and picked up 3 wickets, whereas Jansen was highly

Tilak Varma and Axar Patel tried to pull things back in the middle overs but the pitch continued to offer some extra bounce and help to the seamers, especially with the use of slower deliveries. Both Varma and Axar got out when they looked set, but a couple of big overs did help India's run rate. Keshav Maharaj, who is generally very effective, didn't manage to get any purchase with his spin bowling.

After opting to bowl first, the Proteas pacers started off brilliantly and Lungi Ngidi picked up the early wicket of Shubman Gill. Lungi Ngidi kept up his good work and picked up another wicket, and soon enough, India were 3 down for 48 in 6.3 overs. Abhishek Sharma was the third man out and he was the only one who looked to have found some timing till then.

India end with a bit of a flourish thanks to Hardik Pandya's blistering return to the team and the momentum has ebbed away into the hosts' corner heading into the break. South Africa won't be too displeased with the final score but they will feel that with those early wickets and how the pitch has played, they should have conceded 10-15 runs less.

Anrich Nortje to Jitesh Sharma, Well-bowled to finish things off! Sharp short ball, on top of the stumps, just nipping into the batter. Jitesh Sharma is rushed on the pull shot, and miscues it off the bottom end. The ball lobs into the off side and lands on the bounce in front of extra cover. They cross for a single. INDIA FINISH ON 175/6.

Anrich Nortje to Hardik Pandya, The stumps are attacked on a good length, Hardik Pandya shuffles to the leg side and slashes it away to deep point for a single. 

Anrich Nortje to Hardik Pandya, ! PUNISHED! A genuine loosener from Anrich. It is a full toss, on middle. Hardik Pandya clears the front leg to give himself some room and tonks it over mid on, where even the tall, lanky, Marco Jansen cannot reach for it by leaping. Finds the fence for a boundary. 

Anrich Nortje to Hardik Pandya, Nagging length, around off, punched off the back foot, but straight to mid off. 

Anrich Nortje to Hardik Pandya, ! Oh, what a shot! FIFTY FOR HARDIK PANDYA! Off just 25 balls. His 6th T20I half century and this is also his 100th six in T20Is. Nortje lands it short and outside off. Hardik Pandya uses the depth of the crease to his benefit and cuts it powerfully over deep third for a six. This has been a purely entertaining innings from Hardik. 

Anrich Nortje to Hardik Pandya, Searing in at 147.3 kph, full and fairly outside off. Hardik Pandya swings with everything left in the tank to launch it over cover, but misses to lay bat on ball. 

Here's Anrich Nortje to bowl the final over. He's gone for 29 runs thus far in his 3 overs.

Lutho Sipamla to Jitesh Sharma, ! SMOKED! On a short of a length, on middle and leg. Jitesh Sharma plays off the back foot and pulls it cleanly over deep square leg for a huge six. A massive over as 18 runs come off it. 

Lutho Sipamla to Hardik Pandya, STRAIGHT UP... LANDS JUST SAFE! Off cutter by the looks of it, on a fuller length, outside off. Hardik Pandya liberates his arms and ends up slicing it high up and over the cover-point region. Dewald Brevis from the inner ring backtracks it and tries to catch it by extending his hands in front, but the ball lands just beyond his reach. A single taken. 

Lutho Sipamla to Hardik Pandya, Surprise, surprise! Steep bumper on top of off. Hardik Pandya takes off his eyes from the ball while he tries to pull it away. Misses to connect. 

Lutho Sipamla to Hardik Pandya, ! BANG! Short of a good length, an off cutter, outside off. Hardik Pandya waits for it and flat bats it down the ground for a boundary. That has raced away to the ropes in the blink of an eye. 

Lutho Sipamla to Hardik Pandya, ! Clean strike! 150 UP FOR INDIA!

Who will bowl the 19th over? Anrich Nortje or Lutho Sipamla? It will be Sipamla.

Lutho Sipamla to Jitesh Sharma, Slower ball, full and outside off. Jitesh carves it to deep point. Dewald Brevis in the deep, slides to his left and relays it to the converging deep third fielder. Just a single. 

Donovan Ferreira to Hardik Pandya, Neat stop by Donovan Ferreira!

Donovan Ferreira to Hardik Pandya, ! Races away! Speared in by Donovan Ferreira, a bit seam-up on a fuller length, on the leg stump. Hardik Pandya whips off the pads, and gets some part of the bat. It races behind to the deep fine leg fence for a boundary. 

Donovan Ferreira to Jitesh Sharma, Too full, on the leg stump. Jitesh sweeps it to the left of short fine leg for a single. 

Donovan Ferreira to Hardik Pandya, Slightly short and on the leg stump. Hardik Pandya guides it to short fine leg for a single. 

Donovan Ferreira to Jitesh Sharma, Pushed through full and on middle, Jitesh Sharma leans and flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single. 

Donovan Ferreira to Jitesh Sharma, WIDE! Sprayed down leg, on a fuller length. Jitesh plays and miss to flick. Wide called. 

Jitesh Sharma is in at number 8 for India.

Donovan Ferreira to Shivam Dube, ! BOWLED! The gamble has paid off instantly for the Proteas. Donovan Ferreira comes from around the stumps and darts in a fractionally fuller delivery, keeping the line of attack onto the stumps. The ball drifts in and skids low from the surface. Shivam Dube clears his front leg and tries to pull it over mid-wicket but the ball stays low to beat the inside edge. It then makes an absolute mess of the middle stump. Shivam Dube departs on 11 (9) and Ind

Change.

Marco Jansen to Shivam Dube, Slower short ball, outside off. Shivam Dube extends his arms and punches it between cover and point for a single. Just 6 runs off the over. Marco Jansen finishes with figures of 4-0-23-0. 

Marco Jansen to Shivam Dube, An off cutter, on off, full in length. Dube drills it back to the bowler. 

Marco Jansen to Hardik Pandya, Short and outside off. Hardik Pandya cuts it uppishly towards deep point, but the fielder in the deep, Tristan Stubbs, is quick to move to his right and collects it on the bounce. Just a single. Hardik is disappointed for not being able to split that gap. 

Marco Jansen to Hardik Pandya, Good reply from Jansen! This one takes off the pitch, on a good length, on off. Hardik Pandya plays inside the line and is beaten by the extra bounce.

Marco Jansen to Hardik Pandya, ! That is played nonchalantly! Short from Marco, on off, Hardik Pandya stands tall and covers the stumps and pulls it through mid-wicket and finds the fence. 

Marco Jansen (3-0-17-0) is back on to finish his spell.

Marco Jansen to Hardik Pandya, At 121.5 kph, this is bashed on a hard length, outside off. Hardik Pandya tries to force the issue by smacking it over cover, but misses out on the connection.

Lungi Ngidi to Shivam Dube, ! Helped on its way! Short from Ngidi, on the leg stump, with pace on. Shivam Dube uses the pace and pulls it to the right of deep fine leg. This time, the ball stays out of reach of Marco Jansen in the deep and bounces into the fence for a boundary. 10 runs off the over, 27 from the last 12 balls for India. Lungi Ngidi is done with his spell with figures of 4-0-31-3.

Lungi Ngidi to Shivam Dube, Pace off, on a good length, on off. Shivam Dube is taken aback by the extra bounce, but does well enough to pat it to the cover region. 

Lungi Ngidi to Shivam Dube, ! Sheer muscle power! Back of a length, angling outside off. Shivam Dube stands tall and punches it between mid off and extra cover for a cracking boundary. The mid off fielder stands no chance to chase that. First boundary for Dube. 

Lungi Ngidi to Hardik Pandya, Slower one, full and outside off, Pandya dabs it with soft hands to the left of backward point for a single. 

Lungi Ngidi to Shivam Dube, Around off, short in length. Shivam Dube backs away and slaps it to deep point for a single. 

Anrich Nortje to Hardik Pandya, ! Fighting fire with fire, what a shot! Nortje bowls it quick again but goes full and straight. However, Hardik Pandya backs away to the leg side and comes down the pitch, drilling it back past the bowler as the ball rockets into the long off fence. 17 of the over.

Lungi Ngidi to Shivam Dube, BEATEN! Across off, on a good length. Shivam Dube has to reach for it to slash it square on the off side but misses. 

Anrich Nortje to Hardik Pandya, Excellent fielding in the deep! Hard length around off at 147.9 kph, Hardik Pandya is again late on the cut and the ball flies off the outside edge to the left of deep third. Lutho Sipamla does well to speed across the turf and gets a hand on it, saving two runs.

Anrich Nortje to Hardik Pandya, FIVE WIDES! Too hot to handle for anyone. A quick bumper over off, at 144 clicks and this oe flies over the batter's head and even Quinton de Kock has no chance of getting a hand on it.

Anrich Nortje to Hardik Pandya, No run.

Anrich Nortje to Hardik Pandya, ! Enough room on offer and Hardik Pandya doesn't miss out. Good-length delivery, quick but wide outside off. Pandya is late on the cut but the ball gets slashed away wide of the deep third fielder for a boundary.

Anrich Nortje to Shivam Dube, On a hard length again, angled well into the left-hander. Shivam Dube is beaten for pace and gets a faint inside edge onto the thigh pad. The ball travels through short third and they get a single.

Shivam Dube is in at number 7. Also, Anrich Nortje (2-0-12-0) returns into the attack. 

Anrich Nortje to Hardik Pandya, Banged in on a hard length and over off, Pandya stays back and pats it down to mid on for a quick single.

Lutho Sipamla to Axar Patel, ! CAUGHT! Lutho Sipamla reigns victorious in his battle against Axar Patel and once again, a wicket falls right after a boundary. Sipamla bowls it back of a length and angles across off, Patel gets up on his toes and looks to cut it over point. However, the extra bounce means Axar fails to control the shot and ends up hitting it straight to Donovan Ferreira at point and he takes a simple catch. India are 5 down now for 104.

Lutho Sipamla to Axar Patel, ! Oh, that is a fine shot! Slower delivery, a bit full and straight, Axar Patel backs away to the leg side, waits for it and plays a controlled lofted shot back over the bowler's head for a biggie.

Lutho Sipamla to Axar Patel, Good change-up again from Sipamla.

Lutho Sipamla to Axar Patel, Nicely bowled! A short ball, angled across off but at just 116.7 kph, Axar Patel stands tall to pull but is undone by the lack of pace.

Lutho Sipamla to Hardik Pandya, Slower one, slightly full and on off, Pandya waits well and taps it towards gully for another single.

Lutho Sipamla to Axar Patel, Hits the hard length and bowls it at the batter, Axar hops up and tucks it behind square leg for a single.

Keshav Maharaj to Axar Patel, Tossed up on off and middle, driven down to long off for a single by Patel. 16 off the over, a big one for India.

Keshav Maharaj to Axar Patel, Wide! Floated up a bit but pushed well wide of the off stump. Axar leaves it alone.

Keshav Maharaj to Hardik Pandya, 1 run.

Keshav Maharaj to Hardik Pandya, ! Another one!

Keshav Maharaj to Hardik Pandya, Flatter this time and around off, this is punched away towards covers.

Keshav Maharaj to Hardik Pandya, ! Up, up and away! Flighted delivery drifting into leg stump, Hardik Pandya clears the front leg and whacks it well over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Keshav Maharaj returns into the attack. 1-0-9-0 are his bowling figures. He replaces Donovan Ferreira.

Keshav Maharaj to Axar Patel, Drops it a bit short and around leg, Patel helps the pull down to long leg and turns the strike over.

Lungi Ngidi to Axar Patel, End of another fruitful over from Lungi Ngidi. Fuller and on leg stump, Axar Patel leans on and clips it well in front of mid-wicket for one more.

Lungi Ngidi to Hardik Pandya, On a good length and around off, Hardik Pandya goes from up to down and hits it through covers for a single.

Hardik Pandya is in at number 6 with India in a spot of bother. 

Lungi Ngidi to Tilak Varma, ! CAUGHT! Oh, that could have gone all wrong but Marco Jansen has done well in the end. The umpires have sent it upstairs to check for a fair catch.

Lungi Ngidi to Axar Patel, Takes pace off and bowl it around the top of middle and off, Axar waits before just angling it towards short third for an easy single.

Lungi Ngidi to Axar Patel, Good-length delivery, cutting across the left-hander, Axar stays put and looks to punch it away but mistimes it into the off side.

Lungi Ngidi to Tilak Varma, Short of a length, banged into the deck and angled across off, Varma swivels on the back foot and forces the pull through mid-wicket for a run.

Change in bowling.

Donovan Ferreira to Axar Patel, Quick and flat, on a length and into the batter, Axar Patel swings across the line but is beaten and wears it high on the pads.

Donovan Ferreira to Tilak Varma, Fuller and flatter, angled into the batter, this is swept away to deep square leg for just another single.

Donovan Ferreira to Tilak Varma, A touch fuller and more round-arm, angled just down leg, Tilak Varma looks to get inside the line and sweep it over backward square leg but misses out.

Donovan Ferreira to Axar Patel, Slightly shorter and into the hips, flicked away down to deep square leg for a single.

Donovan Ferreira to Axar Patel, Wide! Flatter one, darted down the leg side for an extra.

Donovan Ferreira to Tilak Varma, Dragged length angled into the batter, Tilak Varma works it away in between mid on and mid-wicket and calls for two but the bowler is quick to chase the ball down. Just a single.

Donovan Ferreira to Axar Patel, Sees the batter backing away and angles it into the batter, Patel works it away past square leg and turns the strike over.

Drinks Break! A very positive first 10 overs with the ball for South Africa and they will now look to build on it. However, Tilak Varma and Axar Patel have done a decent job of bringing India back and with a few power hitters still to come, this stand becomes all the more vital for both sides. Maybe it isn't a pitch you get 200 on, but with the dew settling in later on, the hosts might look to target the 170-run mark from here. Let's see how the first innings pans out. A bowling change after

Anrich Nortje to Axar Patel, Spears in at 147.4 kph, full and on middle, Axar Patel plays from the crease and tucks it into the leg side, in front of square, and they cross over for a single. Halfway through in the first inning and India are 71/3.

Anrich Nortje to Tilak Varma, Bangs it short and on middle and leg. Tilak Varma stays leg side and knocks it in thereabouts of cover-point for a quick single. 

The ball has landed on the roof and is out of the ground. The fourth umpire comes out with a box of balls and the umpires pick one that resembles the old ball best.

Anrich Nortje to Tilak Varma, Slightly fuller than the previous delivery, on off. Tilak Varma hops on the crease and dabs it to the left of the bowler. 

Anrich Nortje to Tilak Varma, ! He has nailed that shot right out of the screws! Short from Nortje, angling into the batter. Tilak Varma picks the length in a trice and pulls it massively over deep square leg. It has gone on all the way on the roof. That was struck right from the meat of the bat. 

Anrich Nortje to Tilak Varma, BEATEN! Hard length, just outside off, kicking up a bit. Tilak Varma gets a bit squared up and hangs his bat away on the back foot. Gets beaten on the outside edge by a whisker.

Anrich Nortje to Tilak Varma, That was a bit too adventurous from Tilak! Just a tick under 150 clicks, Nortje shoots in a full delivery, just outside off. Tilak Varma gets down on a knee to slog it over square leg, but misses due to the excessive pace.

Keshav Maharaj to Axar Patel, Much fuller and on the stumps, Axar Patel lunges forward and gently pushes it back to the bowler. 

Keshav Maharaj to Axar Patel, Wide!

Keshav Maharaj to Tilak Varma, Full and flat, on middle, dabbed across to square leg for a single. 

Keshav Maharaj to Axar Patel, 1 run.

Keshav Maharaj to Tilak Varma, Short on middle, pulled off the back foot to deep mid-wicket for a single. 

Keshav Maharaj to Axar Patel, Short and flat, outside off. Axar Patel rocks back and tries to punch it to the off side, but gets a thick outside edge. The ball is on its way to the ropes, but Lungi Ngidi from the inner ring sprints after it. He does stop the ball, but realises that his bodyweight is taking him beyond the ropes. So, he shows a good presence of mind by flicking the ball just before he runs over the ropes. The replay shows that he has done a clean job to save a run for his s

Keshav Maharaj to Axar Patel, Starts from around the stumps, on the length, on leg, Axar Patel gets across on the back foot and nudges it to the right of short fine leg. The fielder there, moves to his right but fails to pick it up cleanly and allows the batters to cross for the second. 

First signs of spin being used as Keshav Maharaj comes on to bowl.

Anrich Nortje to Axar Patel, Cannons in a fuller delivery, on middle, Axar Patel looks to drive on the leg side, but gets an inside edge and the ball rolls behind square on the leg side. They cross. Phew, that was some breathless over from Anrich Nortje upon his return. Just 4 runs off it. 

Anrich Nortje to Tilak Varma, Sharp bumper from Nortje, on top of middle, nipping in a touch. Tilak Varma is hurried on the back foot and just manages to dab it off the inside edge to the leg side for a single. 

Anrich Nortje to Tilak Varma, Pulls the length back, angling on the off pole. Tilak Varma is rushed on the back foot and blocks it watchfully to the off side. 

Anrich Nortje to Axar Patel, Fuller and outside off, Axar Patel gets on the front foot and drives it to the right of mid off and pinches a single.

Anrich Nortje to Tilak Varma, Back of a length, outside off. Tilak Varma hangs back and guides it to deep third for a single. 

Anrich Nortje is now into the attack. A long-awaited T20I return for the pacer.

Anrich Nortje to Tilak Varma, Fires in a full ball, on off, Tilak Varma plays from the crease and forces the drive to extra cover.

Lutho Sipamla to Tilak Varma, 50 UP FOR INDIA!

Lutho Sipamla to Tilak Varma, Nagging length, around off, Tilak Varma stabs it off the back foot to backward point.

Lutho Sipamla to Axar Patel, On a length, on middle and leg, Axar Patel steers it through backward square leg for a single. 

Axar Patel is sent in at number, replacing Abhishek Sharma.

Lutho Sipamla to Abhishek Sharma, ! IN THE AIR AND GONE! That is a screamer of a catch from Lungi Ngidi. Abhishek Sharma looks at the heavens as he departs on 17 (12) and India are 48/3.

Lutho Sipamla to Abhishek Sharma, ! Lovely shot! Short of a length, angled onto the bodyline. Abhishek Sharma reads the pace well, sits back and chips it wide of mid-wicket for a boundary. 

Lutho Sipamla to Abhishek Sharma, ! Glorious! Fuller and on the fourth stump line. Abhishek Sharma leans onto the shot and drives it between the mid off and extra cover gap for a cracking boundary. 

Marco Jansen to Tilak Varma, ! Plays it fine enough! Hard length from Jansen, onto the pads and a bit straight. Tilak Varma gets across and uses the pace to guide the ball toward the deep fine leg fence for a boundary. 8 runs off the final over of the restrictions. India end their Powerplay with 40/2 on the board. 

Marco Jansen to Tilak Varma, Slower one, touch fuller and around off. Tilak Varma pushes at the delivery on the front foot, and ends up chipping it on the bounce to extra cover. 

Marco Jansen to Tilak Varma, Short of a good length, around off, steered off the back foot to backward point. 

Marco Jansen to Tilak Varma, ! Finds the gap perfectly! Full and on the pads, Tilak Varma gets on top of it and flicks it past mid-wicket. Lutho Sipamla from mid on is after it, but the ball teases him all the way to the ropes. This brings up 1000 T20I runs for Tilak Varma.

Marco Jansen to Tilak Varma, No run.

Marco Jansen to Tilak Varma, Too straight, angling down leg, on a length. Tilak Varma gets inside the line to nudge it around the corner on the leg side, but misses. The ball zips past through to the keeper. Not given as a wide as it passes inside the new guideline. 

Change? Nope. Marco Jansen to continue. Third over on the trot. 

Lutho Sipamla to Tilak Varma, Keeps the length relatively full and bowls it around off, Varma watchfully defends.

Lutho Sipamla to Tilak Varma, Just a single to end and it is a tidy start from Lutho Sipamla as well.

Lutho Sipamla to Tilak Varma, Oh, that's beaten Tilak Varma all ends up. Fuller in length, swings away quite a bit from middle and leg. Varma looks to drive on the up, but the ball beats the outside edge by a mile.

Lutho Sipamla to Tilak Varma, O a hard length and over off, holds its line this time and Varma punches it down to mid off.

Lutho Sipamla to Abhishek Sharma, 1 run.

Lutho Sipamla to Abhishek Sharma, BYES! Prodigious movement and that too late movement. Seam-up delivery, on a length and angling in from leg stump. Abhishek Sharma comes down the pitch to swing across the line but is beaten and even Quinton de Kock only manages to get a glove on it as the ball rolls away into the fine leg fence.

Lutho Sipamla is brought into the attack, replacing Lungi Ngidi.

Marco Jansen to Abhishek Sharma, 1 run.

Marco Jansen to Abhishek Sharma, Banged in on a hard length and over middle, Sharma comes down the pitch, staying leg side of the ball and looks to hammer it through the off side but is beaten by the extra bounce.

Marco Jansen to Abhishek Sharma, ! Hit on the body the previous ball but Sharma doesn't care! Banged in short and over off, Abhishek Sharma lines it up early and pulls it off the back foot handsomely over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Marco Jansen to Abhishek Sharma, Oh, that is a stinging blow to get!

Marco Jansen to Tilak Varma, On a good length and over middle, Varma gets across and just nudges it in front of square leg for a quick run.

Marco Jansen to Tilak Varma, That in-between length, lands it around off and angles it in a bit, Tilak Varma gets forward and blocks it back to the bowler.

It seems like a two-paced wicket. Might see spin from one end pretty soon. But for now, Marco Jansen (1-0-1-0) to continue. 

Lungi Ngidi to Tilak Varma, Oh, nearly another one for Ngidi! Nagging length, not all that full and just around off. Varma looks to play it late but gets an inside edge that just goes past leg stump and the batters manage to pick up a single.

Lungi Ngidi to Tilak Varma, Pitches the ball on a fuller length and on off, Tilak Varma covers the line and solidly blocks it off.

Two left-handers at the crease as Tilak Varma walks in at number 4.

Lungi Ngidi to Suryakumar Yadav, ! CAUGHT! Lungi Ngidi gets the last laugh and India are already 2 down.

Lungi Ngidi to Suryakumar Yadav, ! What a shot, bread and butter for SKY! Length ball on the pads, Suryakumar Yadav takes a step to the off side, getting inside the line and nonchalantly picks it up over deep mid-wicket for a biggie. You do not bowl there to SKY.

Lungi Ngidi to Suryakumar Yadav, ! Nicely done! Fractionally short and angled in at the hips, Suryakumar Yadav flicks it away over the square leg region and the ball rolls away into the fence, much to the disappointment of the chasing fielder.

Lungi Ngidi to Suryakumar Yadav, No run.

Marco Jansen to Suryakumar Yadav, Very full and straight, driven back past the bowler and to the left of mid on for a quick single. Just a single off the over.

Marco Jansen to Suryakumar Yadav, Hard length on off, a hint of shape on this one and Yadav watchfully keeps it out.

Marco Jansen to Suryakumar Yadav, Good-length delivery on middle, this one comes straight on and Yadav blocks it off.

Marco Jansen to Suryakumar Yadav, Oh, nearly catches the outside edge! A tad fuller and swinging away from the off stump line, Suryakumar Yadav looks to whip it across the line but the ball zips past the outside edge.

Marco Jansen to Suryakumar Yadav, No run there! Hard length, angled across off, SKY taps it to the left of point and sets off for the single but is sent back. Dewald Brevis does well to attack the ball and create that bit of hesitation between the batters.

Already, there are signs of the ball holding on the surface. Ravi Shastri on air mentioned that it is a bit damp in nature as well. And Gill's wicket showed that the ball might arrive a bit late on the bat than expected. Marco Jansen will share the attack from the other end. 

Marco Jansen to Suryakumar Yadav, Starts with a full ball outside off, looking for some swing which isn't quite there. Suryakumar Yadav leans across and punches it sweetly towards short cover.

Lungi Ngidi to Abhishek Sharma, Excellent start from Ngidi, 6 runs and a wicket off it. Hits the back of length and bowls it over middle and leg, Abhishek Sharma looks to pull but misses and gets hit around the ribs.

Lungi Ngidi to Abhishek Sharma, Swing and a miss!

Lungi Ngidi to Suryakumar Yadav, Hard length at the stumps, whipped away through the on side for a single. Again, the pace off the deck is a bit slower on this surface and the ball isn't coming onto the bat as expected right now.

The Indian captain, Suryakumar Yadav, walks in at number 3.

Lungi Ngidi to Shubman Gill, ! CAUGHT! Excellent adjustment from Lungi Ngidi and South Africa have an early wicket here.

Lungi Ngidi to Shubman Gill, ! Slashed away! On a good length but very wide outside off, Shubman Gill reaches out to hit it square but the ball flies off the outside half of the blade and to the left of deep backward point for a boundary.

Lungi Ngidi to Abhishek Sharma, Abhishek Sharma and India are off the mark!

Righto, done with all the pre-match rituals, and it is now time to get going in this highly anticipated T20I series. On the banks of the Mahanadi River, the Barabati Stadium is buzzing, and the atmosphere is electric. It is a working day, mind you, but the stands are jam-packed. The Honourable Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, rings the bell to mark the commencement of the game. The two umpires walk out to the middle, and the players of South Africa spread across the field and take

We are just a few minutes away from the first ball, but before that, it is time for the national anthems. Both sets of players and the match officials line up. It will be South Africa's first, followed by the Indian national anthem. 

South Africa (Playing XI) - Aiden Markram (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Lutho Sipamla, and Lungi Ngidi.

India (Playing XI) - Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Varun Chakaravarthy.

The captain of South Africa, Aiden Markram, says that there is quite a bit of dew around at this time of the year in India, but expects it to play out well. Reckons that it might get a little bit worse later on, so thinks bowling first is a better choice. Stresses that the adjustment needs to be quick to make the transition from the formats. Says that you need to be in the right frame of mind to compete. Also adds that it has been a great buildup for the upcoming World Cup, and from a conditions

The Indian skipper, Suryakumar Yadav, says that they were a bit confused looking at the wicket and they are happy to bat first, and are looking forward to putting runs on the board. Adds that the T20 format is a bit challenging for the bowlers but it has now been around for a long time and they need to adjust to it. Reckons that they had a good series against Australia and now they are playing against South Africa and New Zealand as well, which is great. Informs that Sanju Samson, Kuldeep Yadav

TOSS - Up goes the flip of the coin and Aiden Markram calls it correctly. South Africa will BOWL first.

We are back for the run chase! The umpires are back out in the middle as Suryakumar Yadav can be seen leading his team in the huddle before the Indian players stride onto the field. It will be the duo of Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock to open the innings for South Africa. 

... The Run Chase ...

Right then, 176 is what South Africa need to make it 3-0 against India in T20Is at this venue. The dew will also play a major role but there is enough purchase for the frontline pacers to do damage in the early overs. India are still a few runs short but with the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh in the side, the Protea batters would want to see them off rather than go hard in the Powerplay. It should be a cracking chase, so stay tuned.

Hardik Pandya was the wrecker-in-chief in the death overs and spoiled all the good work done by the likes of Ngidi and Jansen as he took Lutho Sipamla and especially Anrich Nortje apart. Sipamla had bowled well until that final over but Nortje's extra pace ended up being a boon for the batters at the death. Pandya's unbeaten knock of 59 off just 28 balls could be the difference between the two sides. For South Africa, Ngidi bowled brilliantly and picked up 3 wickets, whereas Jansen was highly

Tilak Varma and Axar Patel tried to pull things back in the middle overs but the pitch continued to offer some extra bounce and help to the seamers, especially with the use of slower deliveries. Both Varma and Axar got out when they looked set, but a couple of big overs did help India's run rate. Keshav Maharaj, who is generally very effective, didn't manage to get any purchase with his spin bowling.

After opting to bowl first, the Proteas pacers started off brilliantly and Lungi Ngidi picked up the early wicket of Shubman Gill. Lungi Ngidi kept up his good work and picked up another wicket, and soon enough, India were 3 down for 48 in 6.3 overs. Abhishek Sharma was the third man out and he was the only one who looked to have found some timing till then.

India end with a bit of a flourish thanks to Hardik Pandya's blistering return to the team and the momentum has ebbed away into the hosts' corner heading into the break. South Africa won't be too displeased with the final score but they will feel that with those early wickets and how the pitch has played, they should have conceded 10-15 runs less.

Anrich Nortje to Jitesh Sharma, Well-bowled to finish things off! Sharp short ball, on top of the stumps, just nipping into the batter. Jitesh Sharma is rushed on the pull shot, and miscues it off the bottom end. The ball lobs into the off side and lands on the bounce in front of extra cover. They cross for a single. INDIA FINISH ON 175/6.

Anrich Nortje to Hardik Pandya, The stumps are attacked on a good length, Hardik Pandya shuffles to the leg side and slashes it away to deep point for a single. 

Anrich Nortje to Hardik Pandya, ! PUNISHED! A genuine loosener from Anrich. It is a full toss, on middle. Hardik Pandya clears the front leg to give himself some room and tonks it over mid on, where even the tall, lanky, Marco Jansen cannot reach for it by leaping. Finds the fence for a boundary. 

Anrich Nortje to Hardik Pandya, Nagging length, around off, punched off the back foot, but straight to mid off. 

Anrich Nortje to Hardik Pandya, ! Oh, what a shot! FIFTY FOR HARDIK PANDYA! Off just 25 balls. His 6th T20I half century and this is also his 100th six in T20Is. Nortje lands it short and outside off. Hardik Pandya uses the depth of the crease to his benefit and cuts it powerfully over deep third for a six. This has been a purely entertaining innings from Hardik. 

Anrich Nortje to Hardik Pandya, Searing in at 147.3 kph, full and fairly outside off. Hardik Pandya swings with everything left in the tank to launch it over cover, but misses to lay bat on ball. 

Here's Anrich Nortje to bowl the final over. He's gone for 29 runs thus far in his 3 overs.

Lutho Sipamla to Jitesh Sharma, ! SMOKED! On a short of a length, on middle and leg. Jitesh Sharma plays off the back foot and pulls it cleanly over deep square leg for a huge six. A massive over as 18 runs come off it. 

Lutho Sipamla to Hardik Pandya, STRAIGHT UP... LANDS JUST SAFE! Off cutter by the looks of it, on a fuller length, outside off. Hardik Pandya liberates his arms and ends up slicing it high up and over the cover-point region. Dewald Brevis from the inner ring backtracks it and tries to catch it by extending his hands in front, but the ball lands just beyond his reach. A single taken. 

Lutho Sipamla to Hardik Pandya, Surprise, surprise! Steep bumper on top of off. Hardik Pandya takes off his eyes from the ball while he tries to pull it away. Misses to connect. 

Lutho Sipamla to Hardik Pandya, ! BANG! Short of a good length, an off cutter, outside off. Hardik Pandya waits for it and flat bats it down the ground for a boundary. That has raced away to the ropes in the blink of an eye. 

Lutho Sipamla to Hardik Pandya, ! Clean strike! 150 UP FOR INDIA!

Who will bowl the 19th over? Anrich Nortje or Lutho Sipamla? It will be Sipamla.

Lutho Sipamla to Jitesh Sharma, Slower ball, full and outside off. Jitesh carves it to deep point. Dewald Brevis in the deep, slides to his left and relays it to the converging deep third fielder. Just a single. 

Donovan Ferreira to Hardik Pandya, Neat stop by Donovan Ferreira!

Donovan Ferreira to Hardik Pandya, ! Races away! Speared in by Donovan Ferreira, a bit seam-up on a fuller length, on the leg stump. Hardik Pandya whips off the pads, and gets some part of the bat. It races behind to the deep fine leg fence for a boundary. 

Donovan Ferreira to Jitesh Sharma, Too full, on the leg stump. Jitesh sweeps it to the left of short fine leg for a single. 

Donovan Ferreira to Hardik Pandya, Slightly short and on the leg stump. Hardik Pandya guides it to short fine leg for a single. 

Donovan Ferreira to Jitesh Sharma, Pushed through full and on middle, Jitesh Sharma leans and flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single. 

Donovan Ferreira to Jitesh Sharma, WIDE! Sprayed down leg, on a fuller length. Jitesh plays and miss to flick. Wide called. 

Jitesh Sharma is in at number 8 for India.

Donovan Ferreira to Shivam Dube, ! BOWLED! The gamble has paid off instantly for the Proteas. Donovan Ferreira comes from around the stumps and darts in a fractionally fuller delivery, keeping the line of attack onto the stumps. The ball drifts in and skids low from the surface. Shivam Dube clears his front leg and tries to pull it over mid-wicket but the ball stays low to beat the inside edge. It then makes an absolute mess of the middle stump. Shivam Dube departs on 11 (9) and Ind

Change.

Marco Jansen to Shivam Dube, Slower short ball, outside off. Shivam Dube extends his arms and punches it between cover and point for a single. Just 6 runs off the over. Marco Jansen finishes with figures of 4-0-23-0. 

Marco Jansen to Shivam Dube, An off cutter, on off, full in length. Dube drills it back to the bowler. 

Marco Jansen to Hardik Pandya, Short and outside off. Hardik Pandya cuts it uppishly towards deep point, but the fielder in the deep, Tristan Stubbs, is quick to move to his right and collects it on the bounce. Just a single. Hardik is disappointed for not being able to split that gap. 

Marco Jansen to Hardik Pandya, Good reply from Jansen! This one takes off the pitch, on a good length, on off. Hardik Pandya plays inside the line and is beaten by the extra bounce.

Marco Jansen to Hardik Pandya, ! That is played nonchalantly! Short from Marco, on off, Hardik Pandya stands tall and covers the stumps and pulls it through mid-wicket and finds the fence. 

Marco Jansen (3-0-17-0) is back on to finish his spell.

Marco Jansen to Hardik Pandya, At 121.5 kph, this is bashed on a hard length, outside off. Hardik Pandya tries to force the issue by smacking it over cover, but misses out on the connection.

Lungi Ngidi to Shivam Dube, ! Helped on its way! Short from Ngidi, on the leg stump, with pace on. Shivam Dube uses the pace and pulls it to the right of deep fine leg. This time, the ball stays out of reach of Marco Jansen in the deep and bounces into the fence for a boundary. 10 runs off the over, 27 from the last 12 balls for India. Lungi Ngidi is done with his spell with figures of 4-0-31-3.

Lungi Ngidi to Shivam Dube, Pace off, on a good length, on off. Shivam Dube is taken aback by the extra bounce, but does well enough to pat it to the cover region. 

Lungi Ngidi to Shivam Dube, ! Sheer muscle power! Back of a length, angling outside off. Shivam Dube stands tall and punches it between mid off and extra cover for a cracking boundary. The mid off fielder stands no chance to chase that. First boundary for Dube. 

Lungi Ngidi to Hardik Pandya, Slower one, full and outside off, Pandya dabs it with soft hands to the left of backward point for a single. 

Lungi Ngidi to Shivam Dube, Around off, short in length. Shivam Dube backs away and slaps it to deep point for a single. 

Anrich Nortje to Hardik Pandya, ! Fighting fire with fire, what a shot! Nortje bowls it quick again but goes full and straight. However, Hardik Pandya backs away to the leg side and comes down the pitch, drilling it back past the bowler as the ball rockets into the long off fence. 17 of the over.

Lungi Ngidi to Shivam Dube, BEATEN! Across off, on a good length. Shivam Dube has to reach for it to slash it square on the off side but misses. 

Anrich Nortje to Hardik Pandya, Excellent fielding in the deep! Hard length around off at 147.9 kph, Hardik Pandya is again late on the cut and the ball flies off the outside edge to the left of deep third. Lutho Sipamla does well to speed across the turf and gets a hand on it, saving two runs.

Anrich Nortje to Hardik Pandya, FIVE WIDES! Too hot to handle for anyone. A quick bumper over off, at 144 clicks and this oe flies over the batter's head and even Quinton de Kock has no chance of getting a hand on it.

Anrich Nortje to Hardik Pandya, No run.

Anrich Nortje to Hardik Pandya, ! Enough room on offer and Hardik Pandya doesn't miss out. Good-length delivery, quick but wide outside off. Pandya is late on the cut but the ball gets slashed away wide of the deep third fielder for a boundary.

Anrich Nortje to Shivam Dube, On a hard length again, angled well into the left-hander. Shivam Dube is beaten for pace and gets a faint inside edge onto the thigh pad. The ball travels through short third and they get a single.

Shivam Dube is in at number 7. Also, Anrich Nortje (2-0-12-0) returns into the attack. 

Anrich Nortje to Hardik Pandya, Banged in on a hard length and over off, Pandya stays back and pats it down to mid on for a quick single.

Lutho Sipamla to Axar Patel, ! CAUGHT! Lutho Sipamla reigns victorious in his battle against Axar Patel and once again, a wicket falls right after a boundary. Sipamla bowls it back of a length and angles across off, Patel gets up on his toes and looks to cut it over point. However, the extra bounce means Axar fails to control the shot and ends up hitting it straight to Donovan Ferreira at point and he takes a simple catch. India are 5 down now for 104.

Lutho Sipamla to Axar Patel, ! Oh, that is a fine shot! Slower delivery, a bit full and straight, Axar Patel backs away to the leg side, waits for it and plays a controlled lofted shot back over the bowler's head for a biggie.

Lutho Sipamla to Axar Patel, Good change-up again from Sipamla.

Lutho Sipamla to Axar Patel, Nicely bowled! A short ball, angled across off but at just 116.7 kph, Axar Patel stands tall to pull but is undone by the lack of pace.

Lutho Sipamla to Hardik Pandya, Slower one, slightly full and on off, Pandya waits well and taps it towards gully for another single.

Lutho Sipamla to Axar Patel, Hits the hard length and bowls it at the batter, Axar hops up and tucks it behind square leg for a single.

Keshav Maharaj to Axar Patel, Tossed up on off and middle, driven down to long off for a single by Patel. 16 off the over, a big one for India.

Keshav Maharaj to Axar Patel, Wide! Floated up a bit but pushed well wide of the off stump. Axar leaves it alone.

Keshav Maharaj to Hardik Pandya, 1 run.

Keshav Maharaj to Hardik Pandya, ! Another one!

Keshav Maharaj to Hardik Pandya, Flatter this time and around off, this is punched away towards covers.

Keshav Maharaj to Hardik Pandya, ! Up, up and away! Flighted delivery drifting into leg stump, Hardik Pandya clears the front leg and whacks it well over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Keshav Maharaj returns into the attack. 1-0-9-0 are his bowling figures. He replaces Donovan Ferreira.

Keshav Maharaj to Axar Patel, Drops it a bit short and around leg, Patel helps the pull down to long leg and turns the strike over.

Lungi Ngidi to Axar Patel, End of another fruitful over from Lungi Ngidi. Fuller and on leg stump, Axar Patel leans on and clips it well in front of mid-wicket for one more.

Lungi Ngidi to Hardik Pandya, On a good length and around off, Hardik Pandya goes from up to down and hits it through covers for a single.

Hardik Pandya is in at number 6 with India in a spot of bother. 

Lungi Ngidi to Tilak Varma, ! CAUGHT! Oh, that could have gone all wrong but Marco Jansen has done well in the end. The umpires have sent it upstairs to check for a fair catch.

Lungi Ngidi to Axar Patel, Takes pace off and bowl it around the top of middle and off, Axar waits before just angling it towards short third for an easy single.

Lungi Ngidi to Axar Patel, Good-length delivery, cutting across the left-hander, Axar stays put and looks to punch it away but mistimes it into the off side.

Lungi Ngidi to Tilak Varma, Short of a length, banged into the deck and angled across off, Varma swivels on the back foot and forces the pull through mid-wicket for a run.

Change in bowling.

Donovan Ferreira to Axar Patel, Quick and flat, on a length and into the batter, Axar Patel swings across the line but is beaten and wears it high on the pads.

Donovan Ferreira to Tilak Varma, Fuller and flatter, angled into the batter, this is swept away to deep square leg for just another single.

Donovan Ferreira to Tilak Varma, A touch fuller and more round-arm, angled just down leg, Tilak Varma looks to get inside the line and sweep it over backward square leg but misses out.

Donovan Ferreira to Axar Patel, Slightly shorter and into the hips, flicked away down to deep square leg for a single.

Donovan Ferreira to Axar Patel, Wide! Flatter one, darted down the leg side for an extra.

Donovan Ferreira to Tilak Varma, Dragged length angled into the batter, Tilak Varma works it away in between mid on and mid-wicket and calls for two but the bowler is quick to chase the ball down. Just a single.

Donovan Ferreira to Axar Patel, Sees the batter backing away and angles it into the batter, Patel works it away past square leg and turns the strike over.

Drinks Break! A very positive first 10 overs with the ball for South Africa and they will now look to build on it. However, Tilak Varma and Axar Patel have done a decent job of bringing India back and with a few power hitters still to come, this stand becomes all the more vital for both sides. Maybe it isn't a pitch you get 200 on, but with the dew settling in later on, the hosts might look to target the 170-run mark from here. Let's see how the first innings pans out. A bowling change after

Anrich Nortje to Axar Patel, Spears in at 147.4 kph, full and on middle, Axar Patel plays from the crease and tucks it into the leg side, in front of square, and they cross over for a single. Halfway through in the first inning and India are 71/3.

Anrich Nortje to Tilak Varma, Bangs it short and on middle and leg. Tilak Varma stays leg side and knocks it in thereabouts of cover-point for a quick single. 

The ball has landed on the roof and is out of the ground. The fourth umpire comes out with a box of balls and the umpires pick one that resembles the old ball best.

Anrich Nortje to Tilak Varma, Slightly fuller than the previous delivery, on off. Tilak Varma hops on the crease and dabs it to the left of the bowler. 

Anrich Nortje to Tilak Varma, ! He has nailed that shot right out of the screws! Short from Nortje, angling into the batter. Tilak Varma picks the length in a trice and pulls it massively over deep square leg. It has gone on all the way on the roof. That was struck right from the meat of the bat. 

Anrich Nortje to Tilak Varma, BEATEN! Hard length, just outside off, kicking up a bit. Tilak Varma gets a bit squared up and hangs his bat away on the back foot. Gets beaten on the outside edge by a whisker.

Anrich Nortje to Tilak Varma, That was a bit too adventurous from Tilak! Just a tick under 150 clicks, Nortje shoots in a full delivery, just outside off. Tilak Varma gets down on a knee to slog it over square leg, but misses due to the excessive pace.

Keshav Maharaj to Axar Patel, Much fuller and on the stumps, Axar Patel lunges forward and gently pushes it back to the bowler. 

Keshav Maharaj to Axar Patel, Wide!

Keshav Maharaj to Tilak Varma, Full and flat, on middle, dabbed across to square leg for a single. 

Keshav Maharaj to Axar Patel, 1 run.

Keshav Maharaj to Tilak Varma, Short on middle, pulled off the back foot to deep mid-wicket for a single. 

Keshav Maharaj to Axar Patel, Short and flat, outside off. Axar Patel rocks back and tries to punch it to the off side, but gets a thick outside edge. The ball is on its way to the ropes, but Lungi Ngidi from the inner ring sprints after it. He does stop the ball, but realises that his bodyweight is taking him beyond the ropes. So, he shows a good presence of mind by flicking the ball just before he runs over the ropes. The replay shows that he has done a clean job to save a run for his s

Keshav Maharaj to Axar Patel, Starts from around the stumps, on the length, on leg, Axar Patel gets across on the back foot and nudges it to the right of short fine leg. The fielder there, moves to his right but fails to pick it up cleanly and allows the batters to cross for the second. 

First signs of spin being used as Keshav Maharaj comes on to bowl.

Anrich Nortje to Axar Patel, Cannons in a fuller delivery, on middle, Axar Patel looks to drive on the leg side, but gets an inside edge and the ball rolls behind square on the leg side. They cross. Phew, that was some breathless over from Anrich Nortje upon his return. Just 4 runs off it. 

Anrich Nortje to Tilak Varma, Sharp bumper from Nortje, on top of middle, nipping in a touch. Tilak Varma is hurried on the back foot and just manages to dab it off the inside edge to the leg side for a single. 

Anrich Nortje to Tilak Varma, Pulls the length back, angling on the off pole. Tilak Varma is rushed on the back foot and blocks it watchfully to the off side. 

Anrich Nortje to Axar Patel, Fuller and outside off, Axar Patel gets on the front foot and drives it to the right of mid off and pinches a single.

Anrich Nortje to Tilak Varma, Back of a length, outside off. Tilak Varma hangs back and guides it to deep third for a single. 

Anrich Nortje is now into the attack. A long-awaited T20I return for the pacer.

Anrich Nortje to Tilak Varma, Fires in a full ball, on off, Tilak Varma plays from the crease and forces the drive to extra cover.

Lutho Sipamla to Tilak Varma, 50 UP FOR INDIA!

Lutho Sipamla to Tilak Varma, Nagging length, around off, Tilak Varma stabs it off the back foot to backward point.

Lutho Sipamla to Axar Patel, On a length, on middle and leg, Axar Patel steers it through backward square leg for a single. 

Axar Patel is sent in at number, replacing Abhishek Sharma.

Lutho Sipamla to Abhishek Sharma, ! IN THE AIR AND GONE! That is a screamer of a catch from Lungi Ngidi. Abhishek Sharma looks at the heavens as he departs on 17 (12) and India are 48/3.

Lutho Sipamla to Abhishek Sharma, ! Lovely shot! Short of a length, angled onto the bodyline. Abhishek Sharma reads the pace well, sits back and chips it wide of mid-wicket for a boundary. 

Lutho Sipamla to Abhishek Sharma, ! Glorious! Fuller and on the fourth stump line. Abhishek Sharma leans onto the shot and drives it between the mid off and extra cover gap for a cracking boundary. 

Marco Jansen to Tilak Varma, ! Plays it fine enough! Hard length from Jansen, onto the pads and a bit straight. Tilak Varma gets across and uses the pace to guide the ball toward the deep fine leg fence for a boundary. 8 runs off the final over of the restrictions. India end their Powerplay with 40/2 on the board. 

Marco Jansen to Tilak Varma, Slower one, touch fuller and around off. Tilak Varma pushes at the delivery on the front foot, and ends up chipping it on the bounce to extra cover. 

Marco Jansen to Tilak Varma, Short of a good length, around off, steered off the back foot to backward point. 

Marco Jansen to Tilak Varma, ! Finds the gap perfectly! Full and on the pads, Tilak Varma gets on top of it and flicks it past mid-wicket. Lutho Sipamla from mid on is after it, but the ball teases him all the way to the ropes. This brings up 1000 T20I runs for Tilak Varma.

Marco Jansen to Tilak Varma, No run.

Marco Jansen to Tilak Varma, Too straight, angling down leg, on a length. Tilak Varma gets inside the line to nudge it around the corner on the leg side, but misses. The ball zips past through to the keeper. Not given as a wide as it passes inside the new guideline. 

Change? Nope. Marco Jansen to continue. Third over on the trot. 

Lutho Sipamla to Tilak Varma, Keeps the length relatively full and bowls it around off, Varma watchfully defends.

Lutho Sipamla to Tilak Varma, Just a single to end and it is a tidy start from Lutho Sipamla as well.

Lutho Sipamla to Tilak Varma, Oh, that's beaten Tilak Varma all ends up. Fuller in length, swings away quite a bit from middle and leg. Varma looks to drive on the up, but the ball beats the outside edge by a mile.

Lutho Sipamla to Tilak Varma, O a hard length and over off, holds its line this time and Varma punches it down to mid off.

Lutho Sipamla to Abhishek Sharma, 1 run.

Lutho Sipamla to Abhishek Sharma, BYES! Prodigious movement and that too late movement. Seam-up delivery, on a length and angling in from leg stump. Abhishek Sharma comes down the pitch to swing across the line but is beaten and even Quinton de Kock only manages to get a glove on it as the ball rolls away into the fine leg fence.

Lutho Sipamla is brought into the attack, replacing Lungi Ngidi.

Marco Jansen to Abhishek Sharma, 1 run.

Marco Jansen to Abhishek Sharma, Banged in on a hard length and over middle, Sharma comes down the pitch, staying leg side of the ball and looks to hammer it through the off side but is beaten by the extra bounce.

Marco Jansen to Abhishek Sharma, ! Hit on the body the previous ball but Sharma doesn't care! Banged in short and over off, Abhishek Sharma lines it up early and pulls it off the back foot handsomely over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Marco Jansen to Abhishek Sharma, Oh, that is a stinging blow to get!

Marco Jansen to Tilak Varma, On a good length and over middle, Varma gets across and just nudges it in front of square leg for a quick run.

Marco Jansen to Tilak Varma, That in-between length, lands it around off and angles it in a bit, Tilak Varma gets forward and blocks it back to the bowler.

It seems like a two-paced wicket. Might see spin from one end pretty soon. But for now, Marco Jansen (1-0-1-0) to continue. 

Lungi Ngidi to Tilak Varma, Oh, nearly another one for Ngidi! Nagging length, not all that full and just around off. Varma looks to play it late but gets an inside edge that just goes past leg stump and the batters manage to pick up a single.

Lungi Ngidi to Tilak Varma, Pitches the ball on a fuller length and on off, Tilak Varma covers the line and solidly blocks it off.

Two left-handers at the crease as Tilak Varma walks in at number 4.

Lungi Ngidi to Suryakumar Yadav, ! CAUGHT! Lungi Ngidi gets the last laugh and India are already 2 down.

Lungi Ngidi to Suryakumar Yadav, ! What a shot, bread and butter for SKY! Length ball on the pads, Suryakumar Yadav takes a step to the off side, getting inside the line and nonchalantly picks it up over deep mid-wicket for a biggie. You do not bowl there to SKY.

Lungi Ngidi to Suryakumar Yadav, ! Nicely done! Fractionally short and angled in at the hips, Suryakumar Yadav flicks it away over the square leg region and the ball rolls away into the fence, much to the disappointment of the chasing fielder.

Lungi Ngidi to Suryakumar Yadav, No run.

Marco Jansen to Suryakumar Yadav, Very full and straight, driven back past the bowler and to the left of mid on for a quick single. Just a single off the over.

Marco Jansen to Suryakumar Yadav, Hard length on off, a hint of shape on this one and Yadav watchfully keeps it out.

Marco Jansen to Suryakumar Yadav, Good-length delivery on middle, this one comes straight on and Yadav blocks it off.

Marco Jansen to Suryakumar Yadav, Oh, nearly catches the outside edge! A tad fuller and swinging away from the off stump line, Suryakumar Yadav looks to whip it across the line but the ball zips past the outside edge.

Marco Jansen to Suryakumar Yadav, No run there! Hard length, angled across off, SKY taps it to the left of point and sets off for the single but is sent back. Dewald Brevis does well to attack the ball and create that bit of hesitation between the batters.

Already, there are signs of the ball holding on the surface. Ravi Shastri on air mentioned that it is a bit damp in nature as well. And Gill's wicket showed that the ball might arrive a bit late on the bat than expected. Marco Jansen will share the attack from the other end. 

Marco Jansen to Suryakumar Yadav, Starts with a full ball outside off, looking for some swing which isn't quite there. Suryakumar Yadav leans across and punches it sweetly towards short cover.

Lungi Ngidi to Abhishek Sharma, Excellent start from Ngidi, 6 runs and a wicket off it. Hits the back of length and bowls it over middle and leg, Abhishek Sharma looks to pull but misses and gets hit around the ribs.

Lungi Ngidi to Abhishek Sharma, Swing and a miss!

Lungi Ngidi to Suryakumar Yadav, Hard length at the stumps, whipped away through the on side for a single. Again, the pace off the deck is a bit slower on this surface and the ball isn't coming onto the bat as expected right now.

The Indian captain, Suryakumar Yadav, walks in at number 3.

Lungi Ngidi to Shubman Gill, ! CAUGHT! Excellent adjustment from Lungi Ngidi and South Africa have an early wicket here.

Lungi Ngidi to Shubman Gill, ! Slashed away! On a good length but very wide outside off, Shubman Gill reaches out to hit it square but the ball flies off the outside half of the blade and to the left of deep backward point for a boundary.

Lungi Ngidi to Abhishek Sharma, Abhishek Sharma and India are off the mark!

Righto, done with all the pre-match rituals, and it is now time to get going in this highly anticipated T20I series. On the banks of the Mahanadi River, the Barabati Stadium is buzzing, and the atmosphere is electric. It is a working day, mind you, but the stands are jam-packed. The Honourable Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, rings the bell to mark the commencement of the game. The two umpires walk out to the middle, and the players of South Africa spread across the field and take

We are just a few minutes away from the first ball, but before that, it is time for the national anthems. Both sets of players and the match officials line up. It will be South Africa's first, followed by the Indian national anthem. 

South Africa (Playing XI) - Aiden Markram (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Lutho Sipamla, and Lungi Ngidi.

India (Playing XI) - Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Varun Chakaravarthy.

The captain of South Africa, Aiden Markram, says that there is quite a bit of dew around at this time of the year in India, but expects it to play out well. Reckons that it might get a little bit worse later on, so thinks bowling first is a better choice. Stresses that the adjustment needs to be quick to make the transition from the formats. Says that you need to be in the right frame of mind to compete. Also adds that it has been a great buildup for the upcoming World Cup, and from a conditions

The Indian skipper, Suryakumar Yadav, says that they were a bit confused looking at the wicket and they are happy to bat first, and are looking forward to putting runs on the board. Adds that the T20 format is a bit challenging for the bowlers but it has now been around for a long time and they need to adjust to it. Reckons that they had a good series against Australia and now they are playing against South Africa and New Zealand as well, which is great. Informs that Sanju Samson, Kuldeep Yadav

TOSS - Up goes the flip of the coin and Aiden Markram calls it correctly. South Africa will BOWL first.