IND VS SA 2ND ODI

Right, with that we come to an end to this second ODI of the series between India and South Africa and all the eyes are now on the third and final ODI which is also going to be the series decider between these two teams. That game will be played at Boland Park, Paarl at 4.30 pm IST (11 am GMT) on Thursday, 21 December. You can however join us a lot sooner for the build-up. Till then, take care and goodbye!

Aiden Markram, the winning skipper for South Africa says that it feels much better to be on the winning side especially after a disappointing outing in the first match a couple of days back. Adds that the breeze played a significant role in the beginning and the bowlers kept the pressure on the Indian batters. He appreciates Nandre Burger's spell by saying that he bowled on tight lines and lengths as he's known for that and has been doing in domestic cricket habitually. Adds that they felt they were always in the game today as all the bowlers bowled in the right areas throughout the first innings. Further adds that it was not a 300 kind of pitch. Appreciates Tony de Zorzi and says that he has played a couple of games and to remain not out and hitting the winning runs for the team will surely give him more confidence. Concludes by saying that they know they will lose games here and there but says that he believes in the team.

Tony de Zorzi is the Player of the Match for his game-clinching ton. He starts by saying that he is just a bit stiff at the moment and adds that it was a flurry of emotions when he got to the ton and hopes that his Mom was watching him bat out there. Mentions that the coaching staff spoke to him about batting at the top and he would have liked to bat more in the last game but is happy to do well here. Adds that it hasn't quite sunk in yet and it was cool to hear everyone sing his name and he will never forget this moment.

The skipper of India, KL Rahul is up for the chat. He says that things didn't go well since the beginning. Probably winning the toss could've changed the fate today. Adds that there was some assistance for the bowlers in the first half. Further tells that Sai Sudharsan and he got starts, and could have capitalized on the opportunity, scoring big to take the total above 250, but lost wickets at regular intervals which put the Proteas in the driving seat. He adds that the ball didn't do too much in the second half at all which made batting look a bit easier and concludes by saying that they leave whatever happens on the ground and move on to the next match and try to win it.

... THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY ...

India, on the other hand, faced a day of challenges and setbacks. From the outset, they found themselves on the backfoot, failing to assert control throughout the match. Posting a modest total, India's batters struggled against the South African bowling attack. Arshdeep Singh was the lone warrior in the fast-bowling department, claiming a wicket, while Rinku Singh managed to break through just when South Africa needed six runs for victory. The Indian team now faces the uphill task of regrouping, reflecting on their batting performance, and charting a more resilient course ahead of the series decider. The third ODI promises a riveting culmination to what has been a closely contested series so far.

South Africa's skipper Aiden Markram made a pivotal decision by winning the toss and opting to field first, a choice that paid rich dividends. The Proteas showcased excellence in the field and with the ball, restricting the formidable Indian side to a mere 211 runs, claiming all wickets in 46.2 overs. The star of the day for South Africa was Tony de Zorzi, who, alongside Reeza Hendricks, orchestrated a brilliant opening partnership of 130 runs. De Zorzi notched up an impressive century, scoring 119 not out, firmly establishing the potency of South Africa's top order even without the presence of Quinton de Kock. The duo of de Zorzi and Rassie van der Dussen ensured a smooth sail to victory, clinching the match in 42.3 overs. The comprehensive victory reflects South Africa's dominance, setting the stage for an enthralling decider. Rassie van der Dussen scored a well-made 36 but was sent back into the hut with just 6 runs required to win the game.

As the curtains fall on the second ODI clash between India and South Africa, the series now stands poised at 1-1, setting the stage for a riveting series decider. In a dominating display, South Africa emerged victorious, successfully chasing down the target of 212 runs with 8 wickets in hand. The home team orchestrated a stellar performance, outplaying their opponents in every facet of the game, ensuring a compelling contest as the series heads into its climax.

SIX! Tony de Zorzi hits the winning runs and South Africa have leveled it all up. Sai Sudharsan floats this one up a bit on the stumps and in the slot. De Zorzi gets down on one knee and goes hard at the slog-sweep. The timing isn't quite there and the ball goes really high. Mukesh Kumar settles himself right on the edge of the ropes at deep mid-wicket and even takes the catch but finds himself beyond the ropes and Sai Sudharsan has his hands on his head. South Africa win by 8 wickets and one of the floodlights seems to have lost power temporarily.

WIDE! Short and outside off, pushed well wide this time for a wide.

Comes from around the wicket to left-hander and drags it down a bit on middle and leg, Tony de Zorzi defends it out.

Sai Sudharsan now comes in to bowl his leg-breaks. Starts with a short one outside off, this is cut away off the back foot to deep cover-point for a run.

Fuller and at the stumps, blocked off the front foot.

Nagging length in and around the stumps, Tony de Zorzi defends it out.

Short and outside off, cut away in front of point for a single by Aiden Markram.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Rinku Singh on debut picks up his maiden ODI wicket and he is off in celebration as he can barely believe it. This is bowled from the front of the hand, quicker and flatter outside off. Rassie van der Dussen looks to rock back and cut but gets a faint outside edge which is sharply gobbled up by Sanju Samson behind the sticks. Rassie departs with just 6 runs needed.

Shorter and outside off, chopped away to the left of cover-point.