SA vs IND: 2nd ODI Review – Zorzi’s maiden ton keeps South Africa alive in the series

The second match of the three-game ODI series was played at St George’s Park in Gqeberha, where South African captain Aiden Markram won the toss, and opted to bowl first.

Batting first, the Indian team didn’t get off to a good start as they lost Ruturaj Gaikwad on the second ball of the innings. Then, Tilak Varma and Sai Sudharsan stitched a partnership of 42 to stabilize the innings, but Tilak was dismissed for 10. Captain KL Rahul and Sudharsan then built another 68-run partnership for the third wicket. However, Rahul was also dismissed after scoring 56, failing to convert.

Sai Sudharsan went on to score a good fifty, but the rest of the batters kept throwing their wickets away. Eventually, India were bowled out for just 211 runs in 46.2 overs with Sudharsan top-scoring with 83 runs. Nandre Burger from the Proteas registered an impressive three-wicket haul in his economic ten-over spell.

In pursuit of the target, Proteas’ openers Reeza Hendricks and Tony de Zorzi stitched a brilliant 130-run partnership, providing a strong start to the team. Hendricks got out after reaching fifty, but de Zorzi, from the other end, continued to smash the Indian bowlers. He scored a brilliant century (119 not out in 122 balls) with nine fours and six sixes, leading his team to a convincing eight-wicket victory. With this win, South Africa leveled the series, setting up the third match as the decider.

Top Performers of the Match

Tony de Zorzi (119 of 122)

Tony de Zorzi showcased his promise in the first match but could not convert his start into a big knock. Today, he demonstrated his batting prowess, smashing a brilliant century that made the game one-sided for his team. Some of his shots were a real treat for the fans, as he hit nine fours and six sixes in his unbeaten knock of 119.

Nandre Burger (3/30, 10 overs)

Playing his second ODI, Nandre Burger showcased his brilliant bowling prowess, troubling the Indian batters with his raw pace and bounce. He took crucial wickets, including Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma, and Indian captain KL Rahul, emerging as the best bowler of the match and rattling the Indian batting lineup.

What’s Next

Both teams are set to face each other in the third match of the ODI series at Boland Park, Paarl on December 21.