Picture credit: Avesh Khan/Instagram
In a stellar display of fast bowling at the New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, seamer Avesh Khan showcased his prowess as India dismantled South Africa to register a thumping 8-wicket win in the first ODI on Sunday. The Proteas were bundled out for 116 in a mere 28 overs, following which the Men in Blue chased down the target in the 17th over.
Teaming up with Arshdeep Singh, the latest Royals recruit bagged up four crucial wickets, while Arshdeep secured his maiden five-wicket haul in the format. Avesh, in the process, achieved his career-best bowling figures in ODI cricket. During his eight-over spell, Avesh conceded 27 runs, featuring three maidens. The early blows inflicted by Arshdeep, who claimed the first four wickets after South Africa chose to bat, set the tone. Avesh's second over saw the dismissals of Aiden Markram and Wiaan Mulder, and he later accounted for the influential duo of David Miller and Keshav Maharaj, completing his four-wicket haul.
4/27 - Avesh Khan recorded his best ODI figures in Jo’burg yesterday 🔥🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/dg5cycfM85
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) December 18, 2023
Reflecting on his career stats, Avesh Khan celebrated his maiden four-wicket haul in ODI cricket, marking a significant milestone in his sixth ODI appearance. With a total of seven wickets at an average of 34.42, Avesh had previously secured three wickets in a single ODI against Zimbabwe in 2022. Having represented India in 19 ODIs overall, he boasts a total of 18 wickets in this format.
A record outing for Avesh
Furthermore, Avesh Khan etched his name in history as the ninth Indian pacer to take more than three wickets in an ODI in South Africa. Joining this exclusive list, he now shares the third-best ODI figures by an Indian pacer in South Africa with Ajit Agarkar. Avesh's impactful performance underscores his growing impact as a key contributor to India's fast bowling supremacy in limited-overs cricket.