Watch: Arshdeep Singh took two wickets in two balls in his very first over, setting up an early South Africa collapse in the first SA vs IND ODI in Johannesburg today (December 17).

India lost the toss and were asked to field first. They started the game with three inexperienced seam bowlers. Arshdeep Singh had played three ODIs before this one, Avesh Khan five, and Mukesh Kumar three.

Their inexperience did not matter as all three wreaked havoc with the swinging and seaming ball. India could have had a wicket off the very first ball of the match, had they reviewed a not out decision by the on-field umpire when Mukesh trapped Reeza Hendricks plumb in front.

It did not prove costly in the end as Arshdeep removed Hendricks in the second over of the game (the first for Arshdeep). Having looked short on rhythm in the T20Is, the left-arm seamer started bang on target, getting his shape with the new ball back.

The fourth ball of the over was a wide half volley that shaped back in to the right-hander from over the wicket. Hendricks looked to chase it but only managed an inside edge onto his stumps. That brought Rassie van der Dussen to the crease, who lasted all of one delivery.

Arshdeep bowled another hooping inswinger, this time on the stumps as van der Dussen played all around it. He was hit right in front of the wickets and the umpire had no hesitation to raise his finger. Rassie took a review, but to no avail and had to make the long walk back.

Aiden Markram faced the hat-trick ball and was beaten by the seam and bounce, but luckily for him, no danger was done.

Arshdeep ended up taking three more wickets, registering his first five-for in international cricket. He also became just the fourth Indian left-arm seamer to take five or more wickets in an ODI after Ashish Nehra (twice), Irfan Pathan (twice), and Zaheer Khan.

Watch Arshdeep Singh take two wickets in two balls in his very first over vs South Africa:

.@arshdeepsinghh is on 🔥
He strikes back to back & #SouthAfrica is on the backfoot!

Tune-in to the 1st #SAvIND ODI
LIVE NOW | Star Sports Network#Cricket pic.twitter.com/6zqJrZAADe

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 17, 2023