After being thoroughly outplayed at the Wanderers in Johannesburg, South Africa has come storming back here in Gqeberha in the second ODI to win the game by eight wickets and set up a series decider in Paarl, on Thursday, December 21. While it was Nandre Burger’s spirited spell (3/30) that helped the hosts restrict India to a subpar total of 211, Tony de Zorzi’s unbeaten 119 aided the Proteas in chasing down the target with ease in 42.3 overs.
Playing only his second ODI match, Burger made an immediate impact with the new ball by dismissing Ruturaj Gaikwad (4) with the second ball of the match, trapping him lbw. Tilak Varma (10) soon followed, falling to a well-directed bouncer from Burger, caught at fine leg, and India found themselves at a precarious 46/2.
A partnership between Sai Sudharsan and KL Rahul provided a glimmer of hope as they added 68 runs for the third wicket. Sudharsan notched up his half-century off 65 balls, showcasing his skills with six fours and a six. However, the promising partnership was cut short when Sudharsan fell victim to a brilliant delivery by Lizaad Williams, caught behind while attempting a cut shot.
The middle order struggled as Sanju Samson (12), debutant Rinku Singh (17), and Azar Patel (7) failed to make significant contributions. Despite Rahul completing his half-century off 60 balls, hitting six boundaries, the middle-order collapse led to India stumbling to a total of 211. This score fell well below par, especially on a pitch that had decent carry in it.
Arshdeep Singh tried to inject some momentum with a quick 17-ball 18, including some lusty blows, but India’s batting woes persisted. The overall middle-order collapse proved costly for India. The Proteas’ pursuit began cautiously, with the openers accumulating 39 runs in the first powerplay. Despite challenges from Arshdeep Singh and Mukesh Kumar, de Zorzi and Reeza Hendricks survived the initial spells, benefiting from a dropped catch that reprieved Hendricks.
Once past this challenging phase, South Africa’s luck turned, and the openers forged a 130-run partnership. Hendricks, contributing 52 runs off 81 balls, eventually departed as Arshdeep claimed his wicket. However, de Zorzi, overcoming a shaky start, showcased a wide array of strokes, converting his maiden ODI half-century into an unbeaten century. His impressive knock of 119 runs from 122 balls included 9 fours and 6 sixes.
There wasn’t much help for for either Axar and Kuldeep, which made stroke-making easier for the Proteas batters. DRassie van der Dussen, batting at number 3, scored a well-made 36 runs in 51 balls, forming a 76-run partnership for the second wicket before falling to Rinku. However, it was too late for India as the home side.