SA vs IND, 2nd ODI Review: South Africa cruise to 2-0 series win

India’s downfall against South Africa continued as they slipped to their fourth consecutive defeat in the series. South Africa, who clinched the first ODI while defending a target, were not deterred even as India won the toss in the second fixture and set 288 on the back of Rishabh Pant’s 71-ball 85 and KL Rahul’s 79-ball 55.

Opting to bat first on a used pitch showed India’s intentions to make most of the batting conditions, although the half-centurions of the previous game – Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli – failed to emulate that show, with Kohli bagging a five-ball duck.

That India managed to score a competitive target after South Africa managed to hold them in their grip for the larger part of the innings was thanks to Pant’s fiery half-century, including 10 fours and two sixes, followed by lower-order contributions of Shardul Thakur and R Ashwin, who got 40 and 25 respectively.

In pursuit of nearly a run-a-ball target, South Africa were kept well on track right from the onset by Quinton de Kock and Janneman Malan, who killed the chase with a 132-run opening stand in 22 overs. Running away with the game at a rapid pace, de Kock was cut short for 78 off 66 by Thakur, who trapped him lbw.

After de Kock’s exit, Malan continued milking runs alongside skipper Temba Bavuma in another crucial 80-run stand before chopping on Japsrit Bumrah to miss what would have been a well-deserved century by merely nine runs.

Soon afterwards, Bavuma gave Yuzvendra Chahal a simple return catch but Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen’s identical 37-run knocks ensured that the good work of others around them did not go in vain, with South Africa clinching the game with seven wickets and 11 balls to spare to take an unassailable 2-0 lead.

Top performers

Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant was easily India’s best batter on the day and made the team’s decision to promote him at No.4 appear a correct call. He started cautiously, scoring 22 runs in as many balls before getting into his groove and displaying his wide array of shots to notch up the best score for an Indian wicketkeeper-batter against South Africa in South Africa.

Quinton de Kock

While Malan top-scored for the Proteas with a 108-ball 91, it was de Kock who played the aggressor in the opening stand. He struck seven fours and three sixes, keeping Indian bowlers under constant pressure and was adjudged the Player of the Match.

What next for the teams?

Both teams will play the third and final ODI at Cape Town’s Newlands on January 23.