'Perfect showcase': Rohit Sharma credits Arshdeep Singh, Deepak Chahar for India's triumph in 1st T20I vs SA

T20 cricket can also be a bowler's game! Indian pace duo of Arshdeep Singh and Deepak Chahar proved that the shortest format isn't just about big hits. The two put in a stunning display up top for India as the team took on South Africa in the first T20I in Trivandrum.

Arshdeep and Chahar ran riot in the powerplay, sending 5 South African batters packing by the time the visitors had managed to put just 9 runs on the board. Arshdeep picked up three of those wickets while Chahar was responsible for two.

Thanks to the duo's stunning start at the top, India managed to restrict the South Africans for just 106 runs. Without breaking much sweat, India overhauled the total in 16.4 overs, taking a 1-0 lead in the 3-match series. After the game, skipper Rohit Sharma duly credited Arshdeep and Chahar for their phenomenal show.

“The wicket was tricky. You learn a lot playing such a game. You understand what the team needs to do in tough conditions. It was nice to play a game like that. We knew the bowlers will get something seeing grass on the pitch, but we didn't expect help for the full 20 overs. It was still damp. Both teams were in the contest and the team that played better won the game. We started well, got 5 wickets in quick time and that was the turning point.

“Perfect showcase of how to bowl when there is help for the pacers (talking about Deepak Chahar and Arshdeep). We knew it wasn't going to be easy. Got to respect the conditions. Lost two wickets and that partnership between KL and Surya got us home,” the Hitman said in the post-match presentation ceremony.

Even the Indian batters found it tough to get going in the match at the start but KL Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav found their mojo in the middle, orchestrating a 93-run partnership for the 3rd wicket.