Harbhajan Singh was not picked to play in the first game against South Africa, which India lost by four wickets. India were forced to make some changes and went into the encounter against the Proteas at the Centurion with their ace off spinner. After being bowled out for just 233 runs, India were in no position to defend the total. They had to attack and that is what they did to such perfection. Agarkar and Srinath made the early inroads removing the South africa openers. It was Harbhajan Singh who made all the difference, claiming the crucial wickets of Kallis, Boje and Pollock. The champion off spinner was named the Man of the Match for his splendid bowling 10-0-27-3, which helped India win the match by 41 runs.