Arshdeep Singh equals this T20I record of Bhuvneshwar Kumar
What's the story
Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh has equaled Bhuvneshwar Kumar's record for most T20I wickets in the Powerplay for India, a remarkable feat he achieved during the series opener against South Africa at Cuttack. The 26-year-old took two wickets, helping India defend 175. The Proteas eventually perished for 74 in 12.3 overs. Notably, Arhsdeep has over 100 wickets in the format.
Record equalized
Arshdeep takes two wickets against SA
SA had a poor start as they lost opener Quinton de Kock on the chase's second ball. Arshdeep trapped him with an outswinger. The left-arm seamer later dismissed Tristan Stubbs, who scored a 9-ball 14. He finished with 2/14 in two overs. His second wicket helped him equal Bhuvneshwar's record for T20I wickets in the Powerplay. Both bowlers now have 47 dismissals each in the first six overs. Notably, Bhuvneshwar last played for India in November 2022.
Match summary
India's dominance in the 1st T20I
India thrashed South Africa by a mammoth 101 runs in the 1st T20I on Tuesday. Batting first after being invited, India scored 175/6 in their allotted overs. They then bowled out the visitors for a mere 74 runs, now their lowest T20I total. Hardik Pandya scored a crucial 59* off just 28 balls and also picked up a wicket on his very first ball of the match.
Wickets
Bhuvneshwar vs Arshdeep: Wickets in Powerplay
According to ESPNcricinfo, Bhuvneshwar took 47 wickets from 83 T20I innings in the Powerplay. His average and economy rate in this phase read 22.02 and 5.65, respectively. On the other hand, Arshdeep now has 47 powerplay wickets in 66 innings. He has a better average (19.89) but a higher economy rate (7.60) in this phase. Only Tim Southee (58) and Shaheen Afridi (55) are ahead of the duo in this regard.