In the second ODI of the three-match series, South Africa defeated India by eight wickets at St George’s Park in Gqeberha.
Once again in the series, SA won the toss and opted to field first. The home team had an amazing outing with the ball as they managed to restrict the Indian team to just 211 runs. Except for Wiaan Mulder, who just bowled four overs, everyone else got a wicket. Nandre Burger was outstanding and economical, and Beuran Hendricks was equally clinical.
Chasing 212, the Proteas had a great start to their innings with both openers, Reeza Hendricks (52) and Tony de Zorzi (119*) hitting boundaries for fun. Both batters stitched 130 runs for the first wicket partnership in which Tony hit his maiden ton. The 20-year-old young batter hammered nine fours and six sixes, but more importantly, he remained unbeaten and led his team to victory. On the other hand, Hendricks also slammed a half-century which had seven fours. After being sidelined in the first ODI, SA made a mighty comeback and had a dominant performance with both bat and bowl.
India, with the willow, struggled throughout the innings. Sai Sudharsan (62) was the only positive thing along with skipper KL Rahul (56). Both batters hit impressive half-centuries but had no help from other batters. Rinku Singh (17) also looked good but couldn’t bat long, while Arshdeep Singh (18) tried his best towards the end to take India to a decent total.
While defending, Burger scalped three wickets and just gave away 30 runs in 10 overs. Two wickets each were also taken by Beuran Hendricks and Keshav Maharaj. Skipper Aiden Markram and Lizaad Williams also got one wicket each.
For India with the ball, Rinku scalped a wicket on his debut while Arshdeep also secured a wicket.
Tony de Zorzi was awarded with the Player of the Match for his maiden ton. With this win, SA have levelled the ODI series by 1-1, with a match to go.
Scorecard:
India: 211/10, Overs 46.2, Sai Sudharsan 62, Nandre Burger 3/30
South Africa: 215/2, Overs 42.3, Tony de Zorzi 119*, Rinku Singh 1/2