India vs South Africa 1st ODI: A turning track, Sanju Samson’s late flurry of boundaries and more talking points

The Indian squad left for the T20 World Cup in Australia on the morning of the day when South Africa was set to play the first ODI in India. India could have a second-string side on any of the days, but it is a strange prospect to digest that the Proteas were toiling hard in ODIs while the frontline team of hosts have already departed.

The rain gods added to the frustration of the already less-appealing ODI series as it delayed the toss multiple times, before finally allowing a 40-over game.

However, if something would have given the visitors some happiness, it would be the victory in the first match at Lucknow by a nine-run margin. After a point in time in the match, especially the dismissal of Shreyas Iyer, the hosts were never expected to reach so close to the target.

But Sanju Samson somehow fought back and gave the South Africans a scare.

South Africa had also lost four wickets in quick succession, but David Miller and Heinrich Klassen showed excellent application on a rank turner to post 249 runs in 40 overs.