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Home » Live Cricket Score » India in South Africa, 6 ODI Series, 2018 » commentary

South Africa vs India Live Commentary, 2nd ODI, India in South Africa, 6 ODI Series, 2018, February 4, 2018

SA 118/10 (32.2)
India beat South Africa by 9 wickets
IND 119/1 (20.3)
Match over
South Africa Inning India Inning
0.0 : It might be a battle between the number 1 and number 2 ODI teams but the manner in which India brushed aside the Proteas in the first ODI, makes you wonder whether the gap between the Asian side and the rest of the world is really large. Yes, the series is only 1 game old but with key members of the hosts injured, it is difficult for them to put pressure on the visiting side. Still, a new day, a new game and anything can happen. Hello and a warm welcome to the second of the 6-match ODI series be
WEATHER - My colleague Jazzy B was worried yesterday evening that the game could be hampered by rain as the conditions were heavily forecast. But just as the pitch in Chittagong was predicted to take turn during the ongoing Ban-SL Test and what is turning is only time, here too, the predictions have come wrong. No rain as of now. Bright and sunny, without a cloud in the sky.
TOSS - India have won the toss and elected to CHASE. So once again, the Proteas will need to set a target. They were not at their best in the previous game. Also, chasing is the way to go in Centurion.
SA TEAM CHANGES - With Faf du Plessis out, South Africa had to make a forced change. But they surprised everyone by naming AIDEN MARKRAM as the captain. What happened to the Amlas, Duminys, Behardiens and the de Kocks? Anyways, they will hope that Mr. Markram emulates a certain Graeme Smith. So the forced inclusion is that of Khaya Zondo, who makes his ODI debut. Mr. Zondo is a middle order batsman, who could bowl some off spin as well. The other change is that of Tabraiz Shamsi, coming in for A
IND TEAM CHANGES - Never try to fix what is not broken, goes the saying. India have followed that saying and hence, gone with an unchanged side.
PITCH REPORT - Mike Haysman informs that a run fest is on the cards. The average score batting first in the last 5 day-night games is 330. But that comes down to 250 in day-games. Neil McKenzie observes some sheen on the wicket and reckons that it could be on the slower side which could bring the spinners into play. There will be turn and bounce and the pith also looks dry, rough and abrasive. Also, going by the domestic limited-over games at the venue, spinners will have a good game. States th
Newly appointed captain, AIDEN MARKRAM was having a chat with Kass Naidoo. Says that the seniors have supported him full on. The main advice given to him is to keep the players comfortable when there is pressure. On Faf's recovery, he says that the former has been sidelined from training but he does come in the nets. So he wants to take a leaf out of Faf's book. Is really excited about captaining the side. On the lessons learnt from the previous loss, he says that the team needs a bit more time
The sun is shining in all its glory as the teams take on the field. Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock are the openers for South Africa. It will be Bhuvneshwar Kumar vs Hashim Amla first up. Here we go...
0.1 : B Kumar to H Amla, Landed outside off, left alone.
0.2 : B Kumar to H Amla, Gets this one to nip back in a bit, Amla gets right behind it and defends.
0.3 : B Kumar to H Amla, FOUR! Amla is up and running! On a length outside off, Amla gets on top of the bounce and punches it between cover and point for a boundary! Wow. That is some sizing up from Virat Kohli. Straightaway, second slip moves out to a catching point position - almost a short point. Just 3 balls for a fielding change.
0.4 : B Kumar to H Amla, That is exactly where the ball goes. Fractionally short outside off, Hashim punches it but straight to Ajinkya Rahane at short point.
0.5 : B Kumar to H Amla, The batsman defends it from within the crease.
0.6 : B Kumar to H Amla, Wide outside off, HA shoulders arms.
Jasprit Bumrah to bowl from the other end with the second new ball.
1.1 : J Bumrah to de Kock, BOWLED! But the bails do not fall! Is that the slice of luck Quinton de Kock needs? On a length outside off, de Kock looks to defend but the ball rolls back, then spins in. The batsman tries to kick it away but is too late. The ball is away from his feet and hits the stumps. Bumrah starts to celebrate as everyone has heard the noise. But hello, the bails do not fall!
1.2 : J Bumrah to de Kock, OUCH! There is that extra bounce. A length ball around middle and leg, Quinton looks to defend but the ball shoots up suddenly and hits him sharply on the right glove.
1.3 : J Bumrah to de Kock, AND AGAIN! This time on the other hand! A shortish ball this time, QdK is unsure whether to come forward or play back, is late in deciding and by that time, he is already fending it. BANG. On the left glove. He is already injured on that hand.
1.4 : J Bumrah to de Kock, Full and around off, watchfully blocked out.
1.5 : J Bumrah to de Kock, Landed outside off, pretty wide for any movement, left alone.
1.6 : J Bumrah to de Kock, One more leave to end the over. Batting is not going to be easy.
2.1 : B Kumar to H Amla, On middle and leg, flicked to the leg side.
2.2 : B Kumar to H Amla, Outside off, watchfully pushed out.
2.3 : B Kumar to H Amla, Outside off, punched off the back foot straight to point.
Virat Kohli is changing the field again. He keeps a wide first slip, then a gully who is somewhere between third man and short third man.
2.4 : B Kumar to H Amla, Around off, coming in, pushed back to the bowler.
2.5 : B Kumar to H Amla, A little bit fuller this time, driven straight back to the bowler.
2.6 : B Kumar to H Amla, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
3.1 : J Bumrah to de Kock, He is away. Down the leg side, de Kock tucks it behind square leg and comes back for the second.
3.2 : J Bumrah to de Kock, Outside off, Quinton looks to punch but gets a bottom edge towards point.
3.3 : J Bumrah to de Kock, Landed around middle, going away, QdK trusts the bounce and shoulders arms.
3.4 : J Bumrah to de Kock, Full and straight, defended back to the bowler.
3.5 : J Bumrah to de Kock, Too straight, on the pads, clipped towards fine leg for a single.
3.6 : J Bumrah to H Amla, Very nice bowling, full and just outside off, Amla defends solidly.
4.1 : B Kumar to de Kock, On middle and leg, flicked through square leg for a single.
4.2 : B Kumar to H Amla, Around off, punched towards cover.
4.3 : B Kumar to H Amla, Full on middle, driven straight back to the bowler.
4.4 : B Kumar to H Amla, Full and outside off, driven through point for a single.
4.5 : B Kumar to de Kock, Full on middle, flicked straight to short mid-wicket.
4.6 : B Kumar to de Kock, Good all. Pushes it with soft hands to the off side, in front of cover, calls for a quick single, Amla responds and the run is completed with ease.
5.1 : J Bumrah to de Kock, Landed outside off, punched towards cover.
5.2 : J Bumrah to de Kock, Slightly shorter than fuller length, de Kock drives it on the up between cover and mid off for a single.
5.3 : J Bumrah to H Amla, Outside off, moving away slightly, Amla punches it through point for a run.
5.4 : J Bumrah to de Kock, Very straight, on a length, pushed towards cover.
5.5 : J Bumrah to de Kock, Slightly shorter, outside off, Quinton chops it into the ground past a diving point fielder towards third man for one.
5.6 : J Bumrah to H Amla, Full and around off, Hashim looks to flick but the ball goes off the inside edge through square leg. A single taken.
6.1 : B Kumar to H Amla, Full and outside off, Amla plays a loose-looking drive towards mid off.
6.2 : B Kumar to H Amla, EDGED, WIDE, FOUR! This was coming. Something was coming. India have maintained a lid on the openers and in the last 2 overs, Amla has looked a bit itchy. A length ball outside off, Amla throws his bat at it, does not move his feet and gets a thick outside edge. It flies towards the slip cordon, but well wide of the wide first slip fielder to the third man fence. Amla moves to 11 now.
6.3 : B Kumar to H Amla, The batsman defends it from within the crease.
6.4 : B Kumar to H Amla, On off, punched down to mid on.
6.5 : B Kumar to H Amla, FOUR! Almost similar to the first boundary of the match. Fractionally short of good length outside off, but plenty of width. Amla punches it through the covers and gets the second boundary of the over.
6.6 : B Kumar to H Amla, Outside off, Hashim flashes again and misses. There seems to be a noise but no one appeals.
7.1 : J Bumrah to de Kock, Full on middle, de Kock pushes at it but gets a bit of an inside edge towards short mid-wicket.
7.2 : J Bumrah to de Kock, Walks down the track, tries to create something, aims to pull a length ball over the leg side but only drags it onto his pads. The ball rolls to the off side and he wants a single but is sent back.
7.3 : J Bumrah to de Kock, Flicks it away for a single.
7.4 : J Bumrah to H Amla, A short ball around off, comes slowly off the pitch, Amla swivels and pulls it through square leg for a couple.
7.5 : J Bumrah to H Amla, Outside off, pushed to the off side.
7.6 : J Bumrah to H Amla, Flicks it behind square leg for a single to retain the strike.
Hardik Pandya comes in as the first change. Comes in with a new hairstyle. To go with his clothes in blue, he has dyed his hair in blue as well. Blue specs would make the perfect fitting combination.
8.1 : H Pandya to H Amla, Fullish on middle, eased past mid on for a quick single.
8.2 : H Pandya to de Kock, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
8.3 : H Pandya to de Kock, FOUR! WHOOSH! De Kock trying to impose himself. Walks down the track and whips it over mid-wicket for a boundary!
8.4 : H Pandya to de Kock, EDGED, SAFE, FOUR! The ball is coming way too slow off the pitch. 'It looks more and more like an Indian pitch' comments Sunil Gavaskar on air. A length ball around off, once again de Kock walks down the track. He looks to flick but gets a leading edge which flies over point and finds the boundary.
8.5 : H Pandya to de Kock, Another edge, does not carry again! On a length around middle, Quinton looks to flick but gets a leading edge which dies down in front of gully!
8.6 : H Pandya to de Kock, Outside off, left alone. 9 runs from Hardik's opening over but MS Dhoni shouts from behind the stumps, 'ACCHA START HAI, HARDIK!'
Change of ends for Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
9.1 : B Kumar to H Amla, Outside off, pushed towards cover.
9.2 : B Kumar to H Amla, A bouncer now, outside off, Amla pulls out of the pull.
9.3 : B Kumar to H Amla, FOUR! FABULOUS! One could watch that shot over and over again. Just delightful. A length ball outside off, Amla stands tall, gets on top of the bounce and punches it between cover and mid off for a boundary!
Caught behind! The finger goes up straightaway from Aleem Dar but Amla says ok, I will check it. Time for the review.
9.4 : B Kumar to H Amla, OUT c MS Dhoni b Bhuvneshwar Kumar. South Africa have lost their first wicket.
Welcome, captain. Aidem Markram comes in at number 3, replacing Amla.
9.5 : B Kumar to A Markram, No run.
9.6 : B Kumar to A Markram, No run.
Powerplay 2 time. 4 fielders can be kept outside the 30-yard circle, till the 40th over, if the fielding captain wishes.
Big move from Kohli. Gets one of his trump spinners on. Yuzvendra Chahal into the attack.
10.1 : Y Chahal to de Kock, No run.
10.2 : Y Chahal to de Kock, A touch shorter, Quinton nicely pull-helps it to fine leg for a single.
10.3 : Y Chahal to A Markram, A touch shorter outside off, punched down to long off for a run. Bit too early to have that man deep for the new man. Gets off the mark, does Markram.
10.4 : Y Chahal to de Kock, Shorter and in line of the stumps, cut straight to point.
10.5 : Y Chahal to de Kock, Fuller and outside off, QdK comes forward and pushes it towards long off for one.
10.6 : Y Chahal to A Markram, Another short ball, this is the googly, Markam punches it towards long on. Virat Kohli quickly gets across from short mid-wicket but even Chahal goes all the way to his right, doves but misses the ball.
Change of ends for Hardik now.
11.1 : H Pandya to de Kock, Outside off, played straight to point.
11.2 : H Pandya to de Kock, Fuller, outside off, driven straight to mid off. He is playing some shots now.
11.3 : H Pandya to de Kock, A length ball outside off, de Kock gets across and tucks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
11.4 : H Pandya to A Markram, FOUR! A bad ball, down the leg side, tickled to the fine leg fence.
11.5 : H Pandya to A Markram, Outside off, solidly pushed towards cover.
11.6 : H Pandya to A Markram, Another length ball, pushed with soft hands towards mid on for a quick run.
12.1 : Y Chahal to A Markram, Floated outside off, Markram gets a big stride forward and defends.
0.0 : Lovely. After that first ball, Dhoni suggests to Kohli 'LONG OFF KO AAGE RAKH SAKTA HAI! AGAR MAAREGA TOH THEN...' meaning that long off could be brought in. If Markram goes big, then he can be pushed back.
12.2 : Y Chahal to A Markram, Which is why Dhoni is saying this. A good ball, drawing the batsman forward and Aiden pushes it uppishly. But there is no mid on to stop the single, hence he gets one easily.
12.3 : Y Chahal to de Kock, Another single. Tossed up on middle and leg, Quinton eases it towards long on for one more.
12.4 : Y Chahal to A Markram, Three singles in three balls. Another one pushed towards long on.
12.5 : Y Chahal to de Kock, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
12.6 : Y Chahal to de Kock, OUT! Straight to the man! A poor ball but Chahal will not mind. A short ball, there to be hit, de Kock rocks back to hit it. Attempts the pull but perhaps the extra bounce causes the ball to hit the bat a bit higher than it would normally have. He skews it high in the air and Hardik Pandya comes running in from the fence. Takes it easily. Both openers gone.
JP Duminy walks in at number 4, replacing de Kock.
Spin from both ends. Kuldeep Yadav into the attack as well.
13.1 : K Yadav to A Markram, OUT! What is happening? Really poor cricket from South Africa and Markram. One understands that he was trying to stamp his authority but still, he could have kept it on the ground. Landed on middle and leg, Markram flicks it uppishly but straight to the man at deep mid-wicket. Bhuvneshwar Kumar is actually a few yards in and has to run back but he does so comfortably. Makes the catch look easy. The Indians are ecstatic while Markram is downcast. Heartbroken will be a
0.0 : David Miller walks in at number 5, replacing his skipper. Two new batsmen at the crease.
13.2 : K Yadav to D Miller, Full and outside off, watchfully defended.
13.3 : K Yadav to D Miller, The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket.
13.4 : K Yadav to D Miller, Down the leg side, Miller misses his flick and the ball hits his pads enroute Dhoni.
13.5 : K Yadav to D Miller, OUT! 3 wickets in the space of 6 balls! Thought Sri Lanka were playing in Chittagong. India are all over the home side here. Full and outside off, Miller leans to drive but the ball turns away a bit, takes the outside edge and goes straight to Ajinkya Rahane at first slip. Shadow practicing is done by Miller. Perhaps for the next game. 39/0 becomes 51/4.
A debutant comes in to bat inside 15 overs. Tough situation for Khaya Zondo.
13.6 : K Yadav to K Zondo, WIDE. Too much spin, way down the leg side, left alone.
K Yadav to K Zondo, A full toss on middle, Zondo confidently comes forward and pushes it towards long on for a single. 2 runs and 2 wickets from that over. Terrific start from Kuldeep.
14.1 : Y Chahal to K Zondo, No run.
14.2 : Y Chahal to K Zondo, Full and around off, nicely blocked. Looks like a person with a sounding technique.
14.3 : Y Chahal to K Zondo, Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
14.4 : Y Chahal to K Zondo, Fuller and outside off, Khaya comes forward and pushes it towards cover.
14.5 : Y Chahal to K Zondo, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
14.6 : Y Chahal to K Zondo, No maiden as Zondo pushes it towards long off for a single.
15.1 : K Yadav to K Zondo, FOUR! Careful with the short ball if you are a South African batsman. Zondo pulls it but this is all along the ground, through mid-wicket. Bhuvneshwar Kumar puts in a valiant dive to his left but the ball is too quick for him.
15.2 : K Yadav to K Zondo, Full on middle, driven back to the bowler but Kuldeep dives and parries it to mid off. Saved a single.
15.3 : K Yadav to K Zondo, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
15.4 : K Yadav to K Zondo, The batsman has nudged the ball fine down the leg side. They pick up a single.
15.5 : K Yadav to JP Duminy, Full and down the leg side, Duminy gets across to paddle but misses.
15.6 : K Yadav to JP Duminy, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
16.1 : Y Chahal to K Zondo, The batsman gets to the pitch of the ball and connects. One run added to the total.
0.0 : A field change requested. Guess Chahal wants an additional fielder on the off side. Not granted.
16.2 : Y Chahal to JP Duminy, Full and around middle and leg, paddled through fine leg for a single.
16.3 : Y Chahal to K Zondo, Outside off, pushed towards cover.
16.4 : Y Chahal to K Zondo, Landed very close to the off stump, Khaya trusts that it is not a googly and shoulders arms. The ball goes straight on. Kepler Wessels on air is not confident that Zondo picked that one.
16.5 : Y Chahal to K Zondo, Oohhh... another close moment. Comes down the track, does KZ, pushes at it, the ball spins away and he gets an outside edge. But it is just wide of Ajinkya Rahane at slip and he comes back for a second.
16.6 : Y Chahal to K Zondo, Full and straight, watchfully defended this time.
DRINKS are on the field. India strutting their stuff. They are not number 1 for no reason. The spinners have already made an impression and the Proteas are on the back foot early. Only JP Duminy is the known batsman in the middle while in the ones to come only Morris has some experience. A wicket here and we could dream of an early finish. Really LONNNNNNNNNNNG TAIL with the Giraffe at number 10. Ouch.
17.1 : K Yadav to JP Duminy, Short and outside off, Duminy looks to cut but the ball spins away and beats the outside edge.
17.2 : K Yadav to JP Duminy, Gets behind the line of the delivery and blocks it out comfortably.
17.3 : K Yadav to JP Duminy, Goes right back and blocks now.
17.4 : K Yadav to JP Duminy, Outside off, punched off the back foot towards point.
17.5 : K Yadav to JP Duminy, Full and outside off, driven through the covers to ensure that this will not be a maiden. A single.
17.6 : K Yadav to K Zondo, Full and around middle, watchfully defended.
Hardik Pandya is back on.
18.1 : H Pandya to JP Duminy, FOUR! And straightaway runs come! Full and outside off, Duminy comes forward and drives it down the ground, past a diving mid off and finds the fence!
18.2 : H Pandya to JP Duminy, Outside off, left alone.
18.3 : H Pandya to JP Duminy, FOUR! A bit streaky but in the scoring books, it will read 5 boundaries in 15 balls off Pandya. A length ball outside off, Duminy slashes hard and gets a thick outside edge which flies past backward point and into the fence! Jasprit Bumrah rushes to his right, puts in a slide but while doing so, his left knee grazes the grass and he is hurt. Misses the ball too.
Hmmm... Bumrah is off the field. The physio is tending to him. Ha ha ha... this is laughable. The physio was looking at his left knee and on seeing that, the South African ground staff brings in the stretcher! Bumrah straightaway smiles and shoos them away!
18.4 : H Pandya to JP Duminy, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
18.5 : H Pandya to JP Duminy, Landed outside off, left alone again.
18.6 : H Pandya to JP Duminy, Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
19.1 : K Yadav to K Zondo, No run.
19.2 : K Yadav to K Zondo, Similar ball, watchfully defended.
19.3 : K Yadav to K Zondo, Very full and very slow, pushed towards cover.
19.4 : K Yadav to K Zondo, Landed on middle, spinning in, played straight to leg gully.
19.5 : K Yadav to K Zondo, Oohhh... very full, Khaya looks to sweep but gets an under edge onto his back pad-flap.
19.6 : K Yadav to K Zondo, Full again, pushed down to long off for just a run. 4-0-9-2 so far for Kuldeep.
20.1 : H Pandya to K Zondo, Landed outside off, Zondo shoulders arms.
20.2 : H Pandya to K Zondo, Steep bounce. A length ball outside off, Khaya initially pushes at that, then tries to withdraw his bat. Is late as the ball bounces steeply past his outside edge. Morne Morkel would be watching this with interest. But for that, he needs at least 220 on the board.
20.3 : H Pandya to K Zondo, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads for a single.
20.4 : H Pandya to JP Duminy, Banged in short, pulled all along the ground to deep mid-wicket for a single.
20.5 : H Pandya to K Zondo, A length ball outside off, generates extra bounce, KZ hops and fends it towards point.
20.6 : H Pandya to K Zondo, Similar ball, similar shot, this time it is in the gap though, behind point to third man. A run taken.
Okay... my colleague was just asking me - How did Kedar Jadhav bowl in the previous game? Kohli did not even give me time to answer. Here comes KJ.
21.1 : K Jadhav to K Zondo, Full on middle, watchfully defended.
21.2 : K Jadhav to JP Duminy, Brilliant stop. Jadhav delivers this with a round-arm action and bowls it short outside off. Duminy cuts it through the covers but Ajinkya Rahane at short extra cove dives to his right and makes a half stop. Just a single.
21.3 : K Jadhav to K Zondo, Full on middle, watchfully defended.
21.4 : K Jadhav to K Zondo, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
21.5 : K Jadhav to K Zondo, RUN OUT CHANCE, MISSED! A little bit of confusion in the running. Outside off, Zondo pushes it towards cover and sets off for a quick single. But then he stutters a bit and JP also stutters. Hardik Pandya charges in from mid off, gets to the abll and aims a direct hit at the bowler's end but lands the ball just a few feet beside him. Also, Kedar Jadhav moves away from the stumps. Perhaps Hardik could have thrown it to the bowler instead. Misses the stumps by a long way
21.6 : K Jadhav to JP Duminy, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. One run added to the total.
22.1 : H Pandya to JP Duminy, A bouncer on middle and off, Duminy lets it be.
22.2 : H Pandya to JP Duminy, A length ball now, JP gets on top of the bounce and punches it through the covers for a single. The stand movs to 30 from 51 balls. Not a bad recovery.
22.3 : H Pandya to K Zondo, FOUR! Cheeky! A length ball outside off, very close to the stumps, Zondo opens the face of his bat and guides it just to the left of that man at wide slip and finds the boundary!
22.4 : H Pandya to K Zondo, The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. One run added to the total.
22.5 : H Pandya to JP Duminy, Short and outside off, cut away to sweeper cover for another single.
22.6 : H Pandya to K Zondo, The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single.
23.1 : K Jadhav to K Zondo, Short and outside off, Zondo looks to cut but gets a bottom edge to short third man for a single.
23.2 : K Jadhav to JP Duminy, Full and outside off, pushed past that man at short extra cover for a run. Kedar is irritated. He wanted to stop that single.
23.3 : K Jadhav to K Zondo, Outside leg, Khaya gets across and gently tucks it towards short fine leg. One run again. The stand moves to 40 from 58 balls.
23.4 : K Jadhav to JP Duminy, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
23.5 : K Jadhav to JP Duminy, Clips it straight to short mid-wicket.
23.6 : K Jadhav to JP Duminy, Very full, flicked past a diving short mid-wicket towards long on for another single.
Chahal is back on.
24.1 : Y Chahal to JP Duminy, Tossed up around leg stump, defended to the leg side.
24.2 : Y Chahal to JP Duminy, Slower and fuller, pushed past the man at short mid-wicket towards long on for a single.
24.3 : Y Chahal to K Zondo, Landed around middle, Zondo is way back in his crease, waits for the ball to turn away and dabs it to the off side.
24.4 : Y Chahal to K Zondo, Shorter in length, punched through the covers for a run.
24.5 : Y Chahal to JP Duminy, Full and around off, Duminy gets down on a knee and sweeps it fine for one.
24.6 : Y Chahal to K Zondo, Quicker one outside off, KZ pushes it uppishly towards the bowler. Does not carry.
25.1 : K Jadhav to JP Duminy, Flatter and shorter outside off, Duminy gets back and taps it square of the wicket on the off side. Rahane gets to it from covers and they cross for a run.
25.2 : K Jadhav to K Zondo, Flighted and on off, pushed back.
25.3 : K Jadhav to K Zondo, Loopy and on middle, Zondo gets across the stumps and gently flicks it behind square leg for a single.
25.4 : K Jadhav to JP Duminy, Drags it short and wide outside off, Duminy cuts it through point for one. Dhoni ain't happy, he wants Jadhav to bowl in the line of the stumps.
25.5 : K Jadhav to K Zondo, Zondo has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
25.6 : K Jadhav to K Zondo, Gets away with a short and wide delivery as Zondo finds the point fielder after playing the square cut.
26.1 : Y Chahal to JP Duminy, Tossed up ball on middle and leg, Duminy moves back and defends it to the bowler.
26.2 : Y Chahal to JP Duminy, Spinning down the leg side, it's nudged past leg gully for a run.
26.3 : Y Chahal to K Zondo, OUT! It was going steadily until now for them but Zondo attempts to take on Chahal and pays the price. The choice of shot was not bad as such but the execution was not there. The leggie delivers his stock ball outside off, turning away after landing, the debutant tries to slog sweep but gets a top edge. The ball balloons in the air towards mid-wicket, Pandya gets underneath it and takes a simple catch in the second attempt. Yes, he failed to pouch it first up but then
Chris Morris arrives with a big task ahead.
26.4 : Y Chahal to JP Duminy, Loopy and full on off, JP defends it off his front foot.
26.5 : Y Chahal to JP Duminy, Plays it with the spin to mid-wicket and picks up a single.
26.6 : Y Chahal to C Morris, FOUR! Nice way to get going! Slower full ball outside off, Morris stretches forward and drills it through covers for a cracking boundary. It spoils a good over, still only 6 runs and a wicket from it.
Kuldeep Yadav is back on.
27.1 : K Yadav to JP Duminy, Duminy has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
27.2 : K Yadav to JP Duminy, Full and on off, turning away, Duminy pushes it to covers.
27.3 : K Yadav to JP Duminy, Gets on the front foot and drives it down to long off for a run.
27.4 : K Yadav to C Morris, Flighted ball around leg, Morris gets on the back foot and defends it off his pads to mid-wicket.
27.5 : K Yadav to C Morris, Loopy ball on middle, too full in length and hence Morris sweeps it through square leg for a single.
27.6 : K Yadav to JP Duminy, Yadav is on the shorter side around off, JP goes on the back foot and punches it to sweeper cover for a run.
28.1 : Y Chahal to JP Duminy, Flatter and on middle, Duminy defends it off his back foot.
28.2 : Y Chahal to JP Duminy, OUT! Duminy is trapped in front! Chahal roars in delight once again, his third wicket today. He lets out a full floated ball on middle, getting it to spin back in slightly, Duminy kneels to sweep but misses the ball completely. He is rapped on the pads, they appeal and the finger goes up. That looked plumb to be honest. Duminy however has a chat with his partner but then either he realizes or is told by the umpire that they don't have any review left. Big blow to Sou
Kagiso Rabada strides in next.
28.3 : Y Chahal to K Rabada, Tossed up ball on middle, defended off the front foot to mid-wicket.
28.4 : Y Chahal to K Rabada, Another front foot defense by Rabada.
28.5 : Y Chahal to K Rabada, Plays it with soft hands and works it towards square leg for one.
28.6 : Y Chahal to C Morris, The batsman has pushed it to the cover region. One run added to the total.
29.1 : K Yadav to C Morris, In the air and goes on one bounce to the fielder in the deep. Flighted and on middle, Morris goes hard at it and hammers it down the ground. The long on fielder does the fielding job and they take one.
29.2 : K Yadav to K Rabada, Slow loopy ball on middle and off, Rabada has no idea where it's spinning, tries to flick but it takes the leading edge and rolls to covers.
29.3 : K Yadav to K Rabada, OUT! Gone this time! This one turns back into the batsman from around off, Rabada once again is clueless about which way it will turn. Stays back to defend but the ball spins back in sharply to thud him on the front pad. They appeal and once again the umpire nods. Things going from bad to worse for the Proteas.
Morne Morkel is the new batsman.
Appeal for a run out. All that happened in quick time. No idea what happened. Morkel is the man in question...
29.4 : K Yadav to M Morkel, NOT OUT! Morkel is safely in. A tossed up ball on middle and Morkel goes hard at it. Tries to send it over mid on but fails to get the elevation. It dies in front of Jadhav who attempts the catch but fails. He immediately recovers and sends a flat throw to the bowler. Kuldeep breaks the stumps and they appeal. The third umpire is referred and the replays show that Morkel is in safely because of his long reach.
29.5 : K Yadav to C Morris, SIX! Morris will go for his shots! A flighted ball on middle, Chris attacks it with all his might and launches it over long on for a biggie.
29.6 : K Yadav to C Morris, The batsman has pushed it to the cover region. No run to end yet another excellent over for India.
30.1 : Y Chahal to M Morkel, Flighted and on off, defended off the back foot.
30.2 : Y Chahal to M Morkel, Floated ball outside off, pushed off the front foot to mid off.
30.3 : Y Chahal to M Morkel, OUT! You cannot get more plumb than this! Chahal serves a leg spinner in the line of the stumps. It doesn't turn after landing as Morkel tries to flick from the crease. He misses the ball completely to get hit on the pads. The appeal follows and the finger is once again up from the umpire. Chahal has four, the Indian wrists spinners have 7 in total. Domination.
Imran Tahir is in next. A couple of slips in place.
30.4 : Y Chahal to I Tahir, Tahir has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
30.5 : Y Chahal to I Tahir, This one spins away after landing, Tahir tries to defend but edges it behind. Doesn't carry to the second slip fielder.
30.6 : Y Chahal to I Tahir, Full loopy ball on off, it's defended off the front foot.
Jasprit Bumrah is back into the attack.
31.1 : J Bumrah to C Morris, That would have hurt the fielder! The action starts from a short ball outside off by Bumrah. Morris probably tries to slam it over point but fails to get the desired connection. It loops in the air, Dhawan from the deep rushes forward, dives but it falls in front of him. It bounces to hit him near his chin but he shows no pain. Interestingly, Morris takes a run. Hmm...
31.2 : J Bumrah to I Tahir, Good length ball on middle, some extra bounce, Tahir tries to defend but misses. It hits him on the thigh pad.
31.3 : J Bumrah to I Tahir, Speedy delivery, on a length outside off, Tahir pushes at it but is beaten for pace.
31.4 : J Bumrah to I Tahir, Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
31.5 : J Bumrah to I Tahir, OUT! Timber! Bumrah delivers a sharp delivery, very full and just outside off, angling in too, Tahir with no footwork, just like a typical tailender, tries to push at it. He once again is beaten for pace and the off pole is disturbed. To take a single off the first ball and hand a number 10 the strike against Bumrah, Morris seriously made a mistake.
Tabraiz Shamsi is the last batsman for South Africa.
31.6 : J Bumrah to T Shamsi, Fullish and outside off, Shamsi pushes it towards mid off.
32.1 : Y Chahal to C Morris, Goes for a big slog sweep but fails to connect.
32.2 : Y Chahal to C Morris, OUT! All over for South Africa. Chahal gets his maiden 5-wicket haul in ODIs and thanks the heavens. A floated full ball outside off, Morris goes for an inside-out shot over covers but fails to get the desired distance. He is caught near the fence by Bhuvneshwar Kumar. South Africa are all out for 118, their lowest ODI total at home!
Yuzvendra Chahal gives a quick interview on his way back. He looks a happy man. Says that it's a great feeling for him. On his gameplan, Chahal replies that the wicket was spinning and gripping and his idea was to vary his pace. Prefers this wicket more as the sliders were skidding on than the last pitch he played on. Thanks his skipper and Dhoni for backing him and feels that he has played enough domestic cricket and is confident about his bowling.
Yet another meek surrender by the Proteas. They started their inning cautiously with Amla and de Kock looking to spend some time in the middle. But once Amla got dismissed, it was a complete downfall. The Indian skipper didn't waste time in bringing his spinners and once again they did the job efficiently. Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav combined to hunt 8 wickets between them and never allowed the South African innings to recover. Apart from a 48-run partnership between JP Duminy and debutan
South Africa will be disappointed after another hapless batting show. They lack experience but the application was also not there. The skill to deal with the spinners was also lacking and at the moment they are looking completely clueless. Their bowlers are left with a very small total to defend and let's see how they respond. The Indian batting will resume shortly. Stay tuned.
0.0 : Back for the run chase. Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan, the familiar opening pair for India are out in the middle. Morne Morkel to begin proceedings with a couple of slips. Sunil Gavaskar on air reckons that with nothing to lose, they should go for the attack and have a gully also. Here we go...
0.1 : M Morkel to R Sharma, Starts with a good length delivery in the channel outside off, some extra bounce, Rohit shoulders arms.
0.2 : M Morkel to R Sharma, Wide! Slides a length ball down the leg side, Sharma tries flicking but misses.
M Morkel to R Sharma, Around middle and off, Sharma defends it off his back foot.
0.3 : M Morkel to R Sharma, SIX! Out of here, deep into the stand at mid-wicket. Morkel digs in a short ball and Rohit is quick to drops his weight on the back foot. Lovely transfer of weight and it's followed by a superb bat speed to execute the pull shot. Makes fine connection and sends it whistling into the crowd. He is one of the best Indian batsmen when it comes to pulling or hooking.
0.4 : M Morkel to R Sharma, Morkel goes for the magical ball, sends across a yorker on off, Rohit has played enough cricket to anticipate that. He reaches out for it and digs it out to covers.
0.5 : M Morkel to R Sharma, This one is full and angled on middle, Sharma tries to flick but gets a little leading edge towards covers. Safely rolls to the fielder.
0.6 : M Morkel to R Sharma, Once again the line is too straight and Sharma nudges it wide of mid on for a run.
Kagiso Rabada to take the second new ball.
1.1 : K Rabada to R Sharma, A length ball on off, Rohit defends it off his back foot to the off side.
1.2 : K Rabada to R Sharma, Wide! Free run for India. Down the leg side, Rohit tries flicking but misses.
K Rabada to R Sharma, Bowls it around off on a length, Rohit stays put inside the crease in defense.
1.3 : K Rabada to R Sharma, Lets the ball go outside his off stump.
Huge shout for a caught behind. The finger goes up and Rohit Sharma takes the referral.
1.4 : K Rabada to R Sharma, No edge. It's not South Africa's day. Rabada serves a full ball outside off, Rohit commits himself on the front foot and tries to push it through the line. He fails to middle it and it whizzes past the bat, making some sound. Quinton de Kock catches it, he doesn't appeal much (didn't feel the need as he was sure of the edge), but the rest are screaming their lungs out. Up goes the finger and Sharma is quick to take the DRS. The replays roll on and it's a close call. Th
1.5 : K Rabada to R Sharma, Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
1.6 : K Rabada to R Sharma, Straighter delivery, played off the pads to mid-wicket.
2.1 : M Morkel to S Dhawan, Good length delivery on middle and off, Dhawan defends it off his back foot.
2.2 : M Morkel to S Dhawan, Pacey delivery, on a shortish length outside off and skidding away, Dhawan flashes and misses.
2.3 : M Morkel to S Dhawan, FOUR! A bit uppish but through the gap. Morkel offers width outside off, Dhawan strides forward and slaps it through cover-point for a boundary.
2.4 : M Morkel to S Dhawan, Wide! Morkel slips one down the leg side.
M Morkel to S Dhawan, FOUR! An overpitched ball outside off has been stroked with good timing through covers for a boundary. Doing it easily.
2.5 : M Morkel to S Dhawan, Hits the yorker mark around off, Dhawan digs it out.
2.6 : M Morkel to S Dhawan, Presses forward to a full ball and drives it to mid off.
3.1 : K Rabada to R Sharma, Good length ball on off, defended from the crease to the off side.
3.2 : K Rabada to R Sharma, FOUR! That's bread and butter for most subcontinent batsmen, they say. To me, most good batsmen are strong off their pads. A full ball on middle, Sharma tickles it through mid-wicket and fetches a boundary.
3.3 : K Rabada to R Sharma, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
3.4 : K Rabada to R Sharma, FOUR! Fine shot! Short in length and around off, Sharma camps back and just uses the pace of the bowler to ramp it down towards third man for a boundary.
3.5 : K Rabada to R Sharma, OUT! Rohit holes out and gets a mild sendoff from Rabada. He bowls a sharp shortish ball on middle, angling in, Rohit tries to glance it off his hips but the bounce gets a bit big on him. It comes from the upper half of the bat and balloons down towards long leg. Morne Morkel speeds across to his left, slides and completes the catch with ease. That wasn't an easy catch but the tall man made it look so. India lose a wicket but stay on top in this game.
Skipper Virat Kohli is in no mood to give his batting slot to anyone else even in this low chase. Arrives at number 3.
3.6 : K Rabada to S Dhawan, Rabada runs in with a couple of slip for Dhawan. Lets out a low full toss down the leg side, Shikhar tries to flick but misses. It goes off his pads to the keeper who dives to his right to stop the racing ball.
Chris Morris comes into the attack.
4.1 : C Morris to V Kohli, Bowls a length delivery in the corridor outside off, Kohli makes a watchful leave.
4.2 : C Morris to V Kohli, Another delivery wide outside off, Kohli leaves.
4.3 : C Morris to V Kohli, Wide! This one is very wide outside off and the umpire doesn't leave it before calling it a wide. Kohli is getting a sighter at the moment.
C Morris to V Kohli, Good length delivery outside off, left alone.
4.4 : C Morris to V Kohli, Off the mark. Taps a length ball wide of mid off and scampers across to the other end.
4.5 : C Morris to S Dhawan, Short in length and on middle, Dhawan hangs on the back leg and pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
4.6 : C Morris to V Kohli, Acrobatic stuff by Tahir to save a certain boundary. Looked quite comical while doing so but did the job eventually. Back of a length delivery outside off, Kohli camps back and punches it square of the wicket on the off side. Tahir moves across to his left from sweeper cover, puts in an early dive probably but somehow manages to stop the ball just before the rope. Then, he struggles to pick up the ball, fumbles a bit before getting hold of the nut and then sends in the
5.1 : K Rabada to S Dhawan, FOUR! Cracking shot! Rabada bowls it full and outside off, Dhawan strides forward and strikes it fluently through extra cover for a boundary.
5.2 : K Rabada to S Dhawan, Rabada overdoes his line after the boundary ball and bowls it full and around middle and leg, Dhawan quietly nudges it in the gap on the leg side and rotates the strike.
5.3 : K Rabada to V Kohli, Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
5.4 : K Rabada to V Kohli, Shortish and on middle, Kohli wrists it through backward square leg for a run.
5.5 : K Rabada to S Dhawan, Good bouncer, well-directed, Dhawan is taken aback, goes on his toes and fends it down towards backward square leg.
5.6 : K Rabada to S Dhawan, A low full toss on middle, Dhawan forces it down back to the bowler. Rabada picks it up to have a shy at the striker's end but loses control over the ball. It flies back past a diving mid off and the mid on fielder does the mopping up job. A single taken.
6.1 : C Morris to S Dhawan, Play and a miss! Short and around off, not there to cut but Dhawan still goes after it and misses.
6.2 : C Morris to S Dhawan, Back of a length delivery around leg, Dhawan tries to flick but misses.
6.3 : C Morris to S Dhawan, Dhawan shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
6.4 : C Morris to S Dhawan, Outside off, left alone.
6.5 : C Morris to S Dhawan, Gets behind the line of the delivery and blocks it safely.
6.6 : C Morris to S Dhawan, FOUR! Edgy! Full length ball outside off, Dhawan edges his attempted drive and it dies in front of second slip before sneaking past to the fence at third man.
7.1 : K Rabada to V Kohli, Good length ball on off, defended off the back foot.
7.2 : K Rabada to V Kohli, Full and outside off, pushed off the front foot to mid off.
7.3 : K Rabada to V Kohli, Back of a length ball on off, Kohli defends it solidly from the crease.
7.4 : K Rabada to V Kohli, Shortish around leg, Kohli tries pulling it but misses.
7.5 : K Rabada to V Kohli, Ouch, that would have hurt but the Indian skipper is not showing much pain. Rabada cooks another short delivery, Kohli tries to pull but gets an under edge on his stomach. He takes some time to catch his breath and reset himself.
7.6 : K Rabada to V Kohli, SIX! Take that for a reply. Kohli knew another short ball was coming. He read the bowler's mind to perfection and was ready to execute his pull shot. As soon as the ball reached in his half, he pulled it disdainfully over long leg for a flat biggie.
8.1 : C Morris to S Dhawan, Short and Dhawan pulls t behind square leg for a single.
8.2 : C Morris to V Kohli, Extra bounce, around middle and leg, Kohli fails to flick it and is hit on the thigh pad.
8.3 : C Morris to V Kohli, Full and outside off, driven off the front foot to covers.
8.4 : C Morris to V Kohli, Too full in length outside off, Kohli drives it down the ground and Behardien (sub) chases it from short extra cover. They take a couple of runs.
8.5 : C Morris to V Kohli, The batsman defends it from within the crease.
8.6 : C Morris to V Kohli, FOUR! Shot! Morris digs it in outside off, Kohli rises on his back foot and slams it over point for a boundary. 'Catch it' was the shout for a moment but nothing after that...someone went to retrieve the ball.
9.1 : K Rabada to S Dhawan, Shortish and outside off, shooting off the surface, Dhawan gets across the stumps and keeps it out awkwardly.
9.2 : K Rabada to S Dhawan, Played to the point region by the batsman. They pick up a single.
9.3 : K Rabada to V Kohli, Good length ball angling into the batsman, Kohli blocks it off his back foot.
9.4 : K Rabada to V Kohli, Nearly sneaks under the bat. Good thinking by the bowler. He slips in a quick yorker, but Kohli is ready for it. Brings his willow down in time to keep it out.
9.5 : K Rabada to V Kohli, Outside off on a length, Kohli dabs it with an open-faced bat past point for a run.
9.6 : K Rabada to S Dhawan, Sharp delivery, around off, Dhawan tries to work it around but gets an inside edge. The ball rests inside the flap of his front pad and Dhawan takes it out after taking the permission.
Powerplay 2 time. A maximum of 4 fielders are now allowed outside the ring till the 40th over, don't think the match will last till then. Imran Tahir is brought into the attack.
10.1 : I Tahir to V Kohli, Loopy and around off, it's driven down to long off for a single.
10.2 : I Tahir to S Dhawan, Shortish and outside off, Dhawan plays a mistimed punch to the off side.
10.3 : I Tahir to S Dhawan, Shortish and on middle, Dhawan works it through backward square leg for a run.
10.4 : I Tahir to V Kohli, Goes deep inside the crease and punches it to long on for one.
10.5 : I Tahir to S Dhawan, FOUR! A freebie by Tahir. Long hop on middle, Dhawan picks it in a trice, rocks deep inside the crease and hammer-pulls it to the deep mid-wicket fence. No stopping this one.
10.6 : I Tahir to S Dhawan, Flatter and shorter around off, Dhawan reaches out and taps it down to short third man.
Tabraiz Shamsi to have a go with his wrist spinners. A slip in place. He will be bowling to Kohli, a familiar name for him. Shamsi has played under him in the Indian T20 League.
11.1 : T Shamsi to V Kohli, Quicker full ball on middle, flicked to mid-wicket.
11.2 : T Shamsi to V Kohli, Tossed up ball on middle, Kohli stands back and tucks it through square leg for a run.
11.3 : T Shamsi to S Dhawan, Floated full ball landing around off, spinning the other way, Dhawan presses forward and defends it to the off side. If I remember correctly, Miller edged the same type of delivery today while trying to drive. Maybe, he can learn how to approach his shots when facing the wrist spinners early on in the innings.
11.4 : T Shamsi to S Dhawan, FOUR! This is something you will always get from a wrist spinner. Short and wide outside off, Dhawan attacks it and whacks it through point for a boundary.
11.5 : T Shamsi to S Dhawan, FOUR! Another poor ball by Shamsi, short and on middle, Dhawan this time goes on the other side of the field. Connects with his pull shot and finds the gap at mid-wicket.
11.6 : T Shamsi to S Dhawan, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
12.1 : I Tahir to V Kohli, Eases a full ball through mid off and takes a single.
12.2 : I Tahir to S Dhawan, Probably a wrong 'un but on the shorter side outside off, Dhawan gets back to cut it through point for a run.
12.3 : I Tahir to V Kohli, Flighted full ball outside off, Kohli plays his trademark wristy drive but finds the fielder at covers. He stops it and for some reason de Kock gets excited and screams - yayyy! Maybe, he thought it went without bouncing to the fielder. Got fooled.
12.4 : I Tahir to V Kohli, The batsman works it down the leg side. One run added to the total. 50-run stand comes up!
12.5 : I Tahir to S Dhawan, Flatter on the pads, worked off the pads but straight to the fielder.
12.6 : I Tahir to S Dhawan, Googly around off, Dhawan places it in the gap at point for a single.
13.1 : T Shamsi to S Dhawan, FOUR! Neatly done! A low full toss down the leg side, Dhawan gets down on one knee and sweeps it fine down the leg side for a boundary. Easy pickings. Shamsi not finding his length. Gave two short ones in his previous over and now a full toss to start this one.
13.2 : T Shamsi to S Dhawan, Goes on the back foot and punches it to long off for a run.
13.3 : T Shamsi to V Kohli, The batsman defends it from within the crease.
13.4 : T Shamsi to V Kohli, Flighted and on off, defended back.
13.5 : T Shamsi to V Kohli, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
13.6 : T Shamsi to V Kohli, FOUR! Loopy delivery landing too full outside off, Kohli gets on the front foot and pierces the gap at covers with his wristy drive. A boundary results.
14.1 : I Tahir to S Dhawan, Wide! Tahir bowls from around the wicket and fires one down the leg side, Dhawan tries his best to put bat to ball but misses.
I Tahir to S Dhawan, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
14.2 : I Tahir to S Dhawan, Gets forward to a full ball and defends it solidly.
14.3 : I Tahir to S Dhawan, Another forward defensive shot by Dhawan.
14.4 : I Tahir to S Dhawan, Walks down the track and strokes it through mid on for a run.
14.5 : I Tahir to V Kohli, MISFIELD, FOUR! Quicker and flatter delivery on middle, Kohli flicks it through mid-wicket. Zondo in the deep takes it too casually and the ball sneaks through his legs. The debutant tries to recover and chase it down but fails.
14.6 : I Tahir to V Kohli, Floated full ball outside off, driven through covers for a single.
Morne Morkel is back on. It seems they have extended the play. 26 more needed.
15.1 : M Morkel to V Kohli, Fantastic stop. Khaya Zondo making amends. A free flowing drive from the bat of Kohli and the debutant dives to his left to make a half stop. Saves three for his side.
15.2 : M Morkel to S Dhawan, A length ball on middle and off, Dhawan defends it from the crease to the off side.
15.3 : M Morkel to S Dhawan, Around leg, Dhawan tries to flick but misses. It takes his back pad and rests near the popping crease. His skipper quickly calls him over for a leg bye.
15.4 : M Morkel to V Kohli, Plays it with soft hands to point and takes a run.
15.5 : M Morkel to S Dhawan, Wide! A length ball down the leg side, Dhawan tries to swing it over square leg but fails to make connection.
M Morkel to S Dhawan, Straighter in line, Dhawan turns it through square leg and picks up a single.
15.6 : M Morkel to V Kohli, Full length ball around off, Kohli gets forward and defends it watchfully.
16.1 : I Tahir to S Dhawan, Walks down the track to take it on the full and drives it straight to short cover.
16.2 : I Tahir to S Dhawan, Short and wide outside off, a mistimed punch through extra cover and Morkel moves across to his right from mid off to make a tumbling stop. A single taken.
16.3 : I Tahir to V Kohli, Loopy and outside off, Kohli defends it by getting forward.
16.4 : I Tahir to V Kohli, Too full and outside off, Kohli squeezes it through backward point for a couple. 100 up for India!
16.5 : I Tahir to V Kohli, Tossed up delivery on off, Virat is on the front foot in defense.
16.6 : I Tahir to V Kohli, Once again leans forward and blocks it with the spin to the off side.
17.1 : M Morkel to S Dhawan, A touch short around leg, Dhawan tries to flick but fails to middle it properly.
17.2 : M Morkel to S Dhawan, FOUR! A proper heave-ho! Full in length around middle and off, Dhawan clears his front leg, opens his arms, flexes his muscles and dismisses it over mid-wicket for a boundary.
17.3 : M Morkel to S Dhawan, Dropped by Miller! Should have been taken even though it would have hardly mattered. An uppish drive by Dhawan to short cover where Miller dives to his right but fails to hold on to a low catch.
17.4 : M Morkel to S Dhawan, Back of a length ball on off, Dhawan gets a bit of a leading edge towards backward point for a run.
17.5 : M Morkel to V Kohli, FOUR! Slapped away! Certain amount of arrogance in that shot. A good length delivery outside off, Kohli comes running down the track and whacks it over point for a boundary.
17.6 : M Morkel to V Kohli, Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
18.1 : I Tahir to S Dhawan, 24th ODI fifty for Shikhar Dhawan! A flatter delivery on middle and off, Dhawan punches it down to long on for a run. Fine knock by the Indian opener.
18.2 : I Tahir to V Kohli, Tickles it off his pads to square leg for a run.
18.3 : I Tahir to S Dhawan, Advances down the track and pushes it towards mid off for a run.
18.4 : I Tahir to V Kohli, Flighted and full outside off, driven through covers for a couple of runs.
18.5 : I Tahir to V Kohli, Lovely piece of fielding by Markram! Quicker full ball on middle, whipped to mid-wicket where Markram dived to stop the racing ball. He quickly got up and had a shy at the striker's end but missed. Kohli had to dive there.
18.6 : I Tahir to V Kohli, Short and outside off, Kohli goes back and cuts it through point for a couple of runs. Has the umpire called it lunch? Oh yes. What? Mike Haysman on air is not impressed, he voices his opinion that this is where common sense should prevail. Only 2 runs needed. Virat Kohli also has a chat with one of the umpires. But it seems they want to follow the rule blindly. Off they go, a really facepalm moment!
India are cruising. The chase is almost done. They are only 2 runs away from going 2-0 up in the series. But all that will happen after a sumptuous lunch break. South Africa did manage to remove Rohit Sharma but after that the bowling was more or so flat. Their spinners failed to recreate what the Indian spinners managed to do and that actually reflects the large gap between the two teams. Tahir and Shamsi have been inconsistent with their lines and lengths, so the argument that the Indians are
Chasing a low total can always be tricky. But not in this case. Rohit and Dhawan provided a quick start and once the former was dismissed, the Indian skipper joined his Delhi mate in the middle. Together, they went about the business quite professionally and never looked troubled. The current partnership worth 91 runs has completely shut down the doors on South Africa's chances, if at all there was any. Do join us after the break for the last rites.
...AN ENTHRALLING PART OF THE CHASE BEGINS...
The players are back on the field. Shikhar Dhawan to face Tabraiz Shamsi. A slip in place...
19.1 : T Shamsi to S Dhawan, Floated ball outside off, full in length, Dhawan tries to slog it over the leg side but misses.
19.2 : T Shamsi to S Dhawan, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
19.3 : T Shamsi to S Dhawan, Leans forward to a full ball and defends it back to the bowler.
19.4 : T Shamsi to S Dhawan, Full flighted ball outside off, driven off the front foot but straight to mid off.
19.5 : T Shamsi to S Dhawan, Loopy full ball outside off, spinning away, Dhawan once again fails to connect with his horizontal bat shot.
19.6 : T Shamsi to S Dhawan, Fuller and around leg, Dhawan sweeps but finds short fine leg. MAIDEN!
Kohli on 44... Can he end it with a six and complete his fifty? Tahir continues...
20.1 : I Tahir to V Kohli, Too full and on middle, drilled to mid on.
20.2 : I Tahir to V Kohli, A low full toss on middle, pushed back to the bowler.
20.3 : I Tahir to V Kohli, INDIA WIN BY 9 WICKETS (with 177 balls left)! Their second best win in terms of balls remaining against a Test playing nation. A quicker full ball on middle, Kohli tries to power it over the leg side but it takes the inner half of his bat and screams past the diving backward square leg fielder. They take two runs and that will be it. The players shake hands in the middle and head back to the pavilion, again.
All over! It took India 9 balls after the break to end the match. They gain a 2-0 lead in this 6-match series after handing a humiliating defeat to the Proteas. Their bowlers, spinners to be precise, set this game up by hunting down 8 wickets and completely broke the South African batting line-up. With nothing much to chase, the Indian top 3 did the job without breaking a sweat to register a comprehensive victory.
Aiden Markram, South Africa skipper, says that they have a couple of days to turn it around. Adds that he is disappointed with the way their batsmen got out and wants to be positive and move forward. Calls it not the ideal day but feels it's a good position to be in (down 0-2) as it can bring out the best from them.
Yuzvendra Chahal says that he is enjoying the series. Feels that the conditions are like India and it's all about mental strength when you tour overseas. Adds that he is loving bowling with Kuldeep Yadav and they bowl to their strengths.
Victorious Indian skipper, Virat Kohli says that they thought the ball will do a bit at the start and showers praise on Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah for not letting the South African openers off the hook. Praises the spinners for faring so well and adds that they knew the wicket will be hard but it will have bounce also which will help the spinners. He is impressed with the intent shown by his openers which sent the message to the opposition that they are positive. Says that it's a good
We are done for the day. A completely one-sided affair as India steamrolled South Africa to get their first win at this venue after 16 years. The way it's going, the hosts will need a big turnaround from here to stay in hunt. Let's see how they recover from this embarrassing defeat. The third ODI is on Wednesday, 7th February at Newlands, Cape Town. Do join us for all the action at 1300 local (1100 GMT). Cheers!