JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav picked 5-17 in four overs as South Africa was shot out for 95 runs (13.5 overs).
South Africa faltered from the very start. In-form Reeza Hendricks was run out for eight, while his opening partner Matthew Breetzke was bowled for four.
Suryakumar Yadav later limped off with a suspected ankle injury, after twisting his foot whilst fielding. Vice-captain Ravindra Jadeja assumed charge.
He had Aiden Markram caught for 25, before birthday boy Kuldeep Yadav ran through the batting.
The South Africa batsmen struggled to read the unorthodox wrist spinner’s deliveries, especially the googly. Donovan Ferreira (12) and Maharaj were bowled, while he trapped Burger and Lizaad Williams lbw. The latter three fell for two runs between them.
Only three batters reached double figures while David Miller top scored with 35 runs. He was lucky to face 25 deliveries, after edging behind off Jadeja when DRS was not available due to a technical issue.
Miller was last man out, bowled off the wrist spinner, as South Africa lost its last six wickets for 53 runs in 46 deliveries. It was Kuldeep Yadav’s best figures in T20 internationals.
South Africa had earlier won the toss and made three changes with pacers Gerald Coetzee and Marco Jansen rested. India had fielded an unchanged side.
The teams next meet in a three-match ODI series beginning in Johannesburg on Sunday.
“We played aggressive cricket and I am happy as a captain. Kuldeep Yadav Is never happy with three-four wickets. He showed his class today and was magnificent with the ball. A perfect self birthday present,” he said.
Kuldeep celebrated his 29th birthday on December 14.