India and South Africa locked horns in the second ODI of the three-match series on Tuesday, December 19, at St George's Park in Gqeberha.
The tourists won the first ODI comprehensively by eight wickets after dismissing South Africa for just 116 and it was essential for the Proteas to win the second to stay afloat in the series. Aiden Markram won the toss once again and this time, he opted to bowl first. Nandre Burger got hit for a boundary off his first ball by Ruturaj Gaikwad but dismissed the Indian opener off the second.
Tilak Varma struggled to get accustomed to the conditions, which aided the pacers. The ball swung around and bounced considerably off a length. Varma's painstaking innings of 10 from 30 balls ended when Burger got the better of him in the 12th over.
India's stand-in captain KL Rahul joined Sai Sudharsan, who was battling it out commendably in the middle. The duo stitched a 68-run stand by playing watchfully. Sudharsan departed after scoring a second consecutive half-century. Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, and Axar Patel couldn't apply themselves in testing conditions after Rahul departed for a good-looking 64-ball 56.
Arshdeep Singh's 18 off 17 balls helped India get past the 200-run mark as the 'Men in Blue' were bowled out for 211 in 46.2 overs. The Indian pace-bowling duo of Mukesh Kumar and Arshdeep Singh bowled disciplined lines and went past the bats of the two South African openers on several occasions.
However, the early wickets eluded them. Gaikwad also dropped a relatively straightforward chance at second slip of Reeza Hendricks off the bowling of Kumar. The opening batters managed to fight through the difficult phase and stitched a 130-run partnership to all but decide the fate of the match.
De Zorzi and Rassie van der Dussen formed a 76-run partnership for the second wicket after Hendricks was dismissed for an 81-ball 52. De Zorzi remained unbeaten on 119 off 122 balls as the hosts won by eight wickets with 45 balls to spare.
Losing Captain, KL Rahul, India said:
(On what he wants to change from today) Probably win the toss (smiles). There was a bit of help at the start. It was tough to bat on but a couple of us got set. Had we gone on, we could have gotten 50-60 runs extra and that would have made a difference. (On if 270 was par) When we batted, we thought even 240-250 would have been good. With a set batter, we might have gotten those runs. We lost wickets at crucial times. (On finding the right balance between caution and aggression) Each individual's game-plan and what they feel comfortable doing, as a team, you have to trust that. Have complete clarity and try to execute it. There is no right or wrong in cricket and you try to do the job for your team. (On the bowling display) There was a bit of help in the first ten overs. We beat the bat a lot. We could not hold on to one edge. Things might have been different had we held onto that. Not as much help as the first innings though. (Message before the third ODI) We leave what happens on the ground and will try and focus on the next game.
Winning Captain, Aiden Markram, South Africa said:
(On the game) A lot better than a couple of days ago. Much better overall performance. Much better with the ball and in the field. It was going around when the openers went out to bat. They put up a 100-run partnership and set up the game - that was great. (On the early bowling changes) The breeze played a bit of a factor. It was a fresh wicket so we expected it to go around. Nandre was being wasted from that end, thought he might as well bowl from the other end and throw rockets. It was fairly simple otherwise - bowl in the right areas and get the most out of the wicket. Not too sure (about the par score). Always felt we were in the game with the ball. It was a tough wicket to bat on but if you applied yourself, you could get big runs. Maybe high 200s (was a par score). (On de Zorzi) It was huge for him. To put in a performance like that, to remain not out at the end and to remember how the crowd was to him, we were pretty much in awe. It was fantastic to watch. Hopefully the first of many for him, and the dressing room enjoyed it. (On how they turned things around after the first ODI) That was not an acceptable performance. We let ourselves down in the first game. Strong emphasis to chase well, and the mindset was to chase it down well. Much more confident unit, I would assume, after tonight.
POTM Tony de Zorzi, South Africa said:
It was a flood of emotions (getting to the hundred). Hopefully my mom is watching, and she is back from work. Lot of stuff goes through your head. You just want to thank the people that have been watching out for you and have backed you. JP (Duminy) spoke to me about what they wanted from me and I tried to implement that. Would have loved to go on at the Wanderers too. Glad I was able to do it today. (On how he describes himself as a player) Not sure how I will do that. I think I am adaptable, decent at adapting to different conditions. Still need to get better, though. (If the feeling of the hundred has sunk in yet) Probably not. But cool to go to the band and to see them with everyone clapping. I will never forget a moment like this.
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