Indian batters struggle at Gqeberha as South Africa level ODI series 1-1

It wasn’t a very memorable outing for the Indian cricket team in South Africa as far away from the razzle and dazzle of the auction in Dubai, things went horribly downtown for the visitors with the Proteas levelling the ODI series emphatically.

Winning the toss, South Africa opted to bowl first. The Indian batters couldn’t really fire on all cylinders as they kept on losing wickets. Ruturaj Gaikwad (4) and Tilak Varma (10) could barely add something significant to the Indian total as the visitors had a few early jitters to brave.

Sai Sudharsan and KL Rahul took over the reins of the Indian batting from there as they steered through the choppy waters to stabilize the ship first before firing on all cylinders. Sudharsan scored a well-orchestrated 62 while the Indian captain racked up 56 from just 54 balls before the Indian collapse set in.

The Indian batting order got skittled out for 211 with Nandre Burger being the highest wicket-taker for South Africa with figures of 3/30 while he was aptly supported by the bowling duo of Beuran Hendricks and Keshav Maharaj as they shared four wickets between them.

The Indian bowlers could barely scratch the surface as Reeza Hendricks and Tony de Zorzi sealed the fate of the game for the hosts. Hendricks scored a fine 52 up front while the latter stayed unbeaten for a match-winning century. It took India a while before Arshdeep Singh could finally provide the opening breakthrough by removing Hendricks, but all a little too late.

Rinku Singh did roll his arm over on his debut too, claiming the prized scalp of Rassie van der Dussen for 36 but the damage was already irreparable by then with the Proteas needing only six more runs to win. Eventually, de Zorzi was the benefactor as Mukesh Kumar stepped on the boundary cushions while attempting a catch, gifting six runs to the southpaw and South Africa as they clinched a massive 8-wicket win in style.

With India and South Africa winning an ODI each, it now boils down to Boland Park tomorrow as the series finale awaits.