Pathan accurately predicted the dismissals of Donovan Ferreira and Tristan Stubbs on Tuesday, December 9, during the first Twenty20 International between South Africa and India at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack.
Irfan Pathan’s exact predictions during commentary have often astounded the cricket community. There is no doubting that the former Indian all-rounder benefits from his exceptional knowledge and comprehension of the game, even though some may refer to it as luck.
The Proteas lost Quinton de Kock in the opening over while chasing a difficult score of 176 on a spicy pitch. But Pathan had suggested that the Indian bowlers try to cramp him up by bowling on the middle and leg-stump soon before he was dismissed.
In his first eight deliveries, Stubbs smashed a couple of boundaries and appeared to be in fine form.
Following this evaluation, Arshdeep Singh produced a stunning delivery that jagged back in to take Stubbs’ inside edge after pitching around the off-stump. The ball landed in wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma’s mitts after striking the batter’s elbow.
Later in the game, Pathan talked about how Donovan Ferreira does well against pacers but finds it difficult to deal with spin. Shortly after the T20 World Cup winner’s assessment, Varun Chakaravarthy dismissed the right-handed hitter. Stubbs went for a cut after the Indian mystery spinner launched a delivery outside off-stump. But he missed his shot and gained an outside edge, which Jitesh skilfully took.
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India won the first T20I by 101 runs. The Proteas were knocked out for 74 in 12.3 overs. Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Axar Patel, and Arshdeep each took two wickets. Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube each took a wicket.
Most Indian hitters struggled to find their timing on the difficult surface early in the match. Hardik played a brilliant innings, thumping 59 off 28 balls. He was named Player of the Match for his outstanding batting.
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