David Warner, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Shikhar Dhawan, 1st T20I, Johannesburg, South Africa vs India 2018
Bhuvneshwar Kumar. (Photo: Getty Images)

The swashbuckling opener from Australia, David Warner hailed Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Shikhar Dhawan’s magical effort in the first Twenty20 International in Johannesburg on February 18.

Meanwhile, India defeated host South Africa by 28 runs – to go 1-0 up in the three-match series. Further, India banked on Shikhar Dhawan’s bat followed by Bhuvneshwar’s magical spell to thrash hosting side

How did the match go:

India posted 203 runs riding on Shikhar Dhawan’s blistering 72 off just 39 balls, as JP Duminy opted to bowl first. India lost two early wickets of Rohit Sharma and Suresh Raina courtesy debutant Junior Dala.

Since then, Virat Kohli and Dhawan took the control of the match. India was looking set to post well in excess of 200. But the Proteas conceded only 46 runs in the last five. The score, however, turned out to be more than enough in the end.

David Warner, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Shikhar Dhawan, 1st T20I, Johannesburg, South Africa vs India 2018
Shikhar Dhawan scored 72 off 39 (Credits: BCCI)

In reply, the hosts lost wickets at regular intervals as the required rate mounted. Their slim hopes were revived when Reeza Hendricks  (70) and Farhaan Behardien (39) added 81 runs.

But the challenge eventually fizzled out needing 75 off the last five overs, the Proteas were restricted to 175 for 9.

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Stars of the show:

The southpaw Dhawan continued his great runs from the ODI series as he hammered right from the word go. His knock of 72 included 10 boundaries and two mammoth sixes. He scored runs at a great pace which helped India post a staggering total on the scoreboard.

While, on a track, where the other bowlers leaked runs like anything, Bhuvneshwar proved his mettle with a sensational display. He conceded only 24 off his 4 overs and picked up 5 wickets on a batting-friendly wicket. It was his maiden five-wicket haul. Bhuvneshwar was also adjudged the Man of the Match award.

David Warner, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Shikhar Dhawan, 1st T20I, Johannesburg, South Africa vs India 2018
Photo Credit: IPL

David Warner’s tweet:

The swashbuckling lauded duo’s effort in the first game at Johannesburg. Notably, all three at teammates at Sunrisers Hyderabad. Sunrisers Hyderabad is a franchise based team playing in the Indian Premier League.

Warner took to Twitter to laud his teammates.

Well done @BhuviOfficial @SDhawan25 great work boys,” Warner wrote.

India will face South Africa in the second match of the series on Wednesday at SuperSport Park in Centurion.

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