Following a forgettable opener, the Proteas have successfully rebounded in the 2nd ODI to level the series against India. It took a sterling all-round show at Gqeberha to get the job done.

Aiden Markram won the toss, and chose to bowl first. The decision brought dividends in the very first over, when Nandre Burger trapped Ruturaj Gaikwad in front.

Tilak Varma labored for a 30-ball 10, but India seemed to gradually get the innings back on track after his dismissal.

Sai Sudharsan scored his second half-century in as many games, and skipper KL Rahul confidently held the fort. They added 68 runs between them, but Lizaad Williams struck at a crucial juncture to keep the visitors in check.

Beuran Hendricks would get his first ODI wicket in over two and a half years when Sanju Samson chopped it onto his stops. Rahul cut one to backward point off Burger, and after Rinku Singh’s stumping off Maharaj, India were struggling to cross 200.

A few runs from the lower order took India past 200, but the total of 211 was far from competitive at this venue.

South Africa began the chase with calmness, but it was Tony de Zorzi who was in command of the game for much of the opening 10 overs. Reeza Hendricks, on the other hand, got off to a scratchy start, struggling to get bat on ball for much of the early phase of the innings.

However, Hendricks provided able company for the hard-hitting left-hander, who continued to regularly find the boundary off all the Indian bowlers. Both players reached half-centuries, but Hendricks’ innings came to an end when he top-edged a hook shot to fine leg.

From then on, de Zorzi continued to entertain, with a variety of strokes all around the ground. He brought up his first international ton, and has taken confident strides in making the second opener’s spot his own following Quinton de Kock’s retirement from ODI cricket.

Rassie van der Dussen chipped in with a useful 36, but he was dismissed with only 6 runs to get. In the end, it was a rather easy victory for the hosts, and sets up a decider at Paarl.

IND 211 in 46.2 overs (Sudharsan 62, Rahul 56 – Burger 10-0-30-3)
SA 215/2 in 42.3 overs (de Zorzi 119*, Hendricks 52 – Arshdeep 8-0-28-1)