Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh scripted history as he became the first pacer from his country to take a five-wicket haul against South Africa in their own backyard. The fast bowler achieved the feat in the ongoing first ODI between teams at the New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.
Arshdeep Singh proved South Africa’s decision to bat first miserably wrong. The lanky left-arm pacer was all over the Proteas batters and didn’t put a foot wrong. He targeted impeccable lengths and made hosts batters look clueless in their own backyard.
Arshdeep Singh had a great start to his innings as he picked up two wickets in the very first over he bowled. After that, he didn’t look back and made South African batters dance to his tunes. He single-handedly rattled the top order and put his team in top position.
IND vs SA: Hadn’t opened my account in ODIs, Great to start with a fifer – Arshdeep Singh after his heroics
Arshdeep Singh opened up about his performance in the ongoing game against South Africa. He admitted that he didn’t have the kind of outings he would’ve wanted in ODIs but is glad to open his account with Fifer. He highlighted the importance of adaptability in different conditions. Speaking about his performance, he elaborated:
“Was trying to keep it simple. Hadn’t opened my account in ODIs. Great to start with a fifer. The wicket was helpful. When we had a chat, we thought there won’t be much movement. We spoke earlier that there won’t be much movement but we were surprised, there was a breeze too so the plan was to keep it wicket to wicket and look for lbw/bowled.
“Adaptability is the key for us as bowlers. Proud to represent the country and do the job. It was quite hot as well. I’m playing the 50-over format after a long time, so it was difficult but I’m feeling fresh after the fifer. Even we thought so (that the pitch was abrasive) but there was some moisture in the wicket, so the ball remained fairly new.”
