NEW DELHI: India made an immediate impact with the new ball as South Africa slipped to 41 for 3 in 6 overs after opting to bat first in the Super Eight clash on Sunday.

Jasprit Bumrah provided the early breakthrough by cleaning up Quinton de Kock for 6 off 7 balls. After conceding a boundary, the pacer responded with a sharp delivery that came back in to disturb the stumps and hand India the first wicket.

Arshdeep Removes Markram

Arshdeep Singh then struck to remove skipper Aiden Markram for 4 off 7 balls. Bowling a hard length just outside off, he extracted slight hold from the surface as Markram attempted a lofted stroke, only to find Hardik Pandya at mid off.

South Africa were forced onto the back foot as India continued to apply pressure in the power play.

Bumrah Strikes Again

Bumrah returned to dismiss Ryan Rickelton for 7 off 7 balls. The left hander, who had earlier struck a six, tried to force the pace but ended up offering a catch to Shivam Dube, giving the India spearhead his second wicket.

With three wickets down inside the first seven overs and the scoreboard reading 45 for three, India firmly controlled the contest in the opening phase.

(With PTI Inputs)