Table of Contents
After delivering a stellar performance in the first clash of their tour to South Africa, India faced a whopping nine-wicket defeat in the second ODI. The hosts showcased dominance in every aspect of the game, securing a remarkable victory to level the three-match series.
Disappointing batting performance by the Men in Blue
India, being asked into bat first, got off to a shaky start as Nandre Burger claimed the early wicket of Ruturaj Gaikwad on the second ball of the innings. Despite the setback, Sai Sudharsan held firm, reaching 62 in a resilient partnership with skipper KL Rahul. The duo added up crucial 68 runs before Sudharsan’s dismissal by Lizaad Williams in the 27th over. Rahul continued his fine form, registering a fifty, but a collapse followed after his departure on 56.
Debutant Rinku Singh showed promise with a positive start, contributing 17 runs. However, a flurry of wickets, including Rinku, Sanju Samson and Axar Patel, halted India’s progress. Arshdeep Singh‘s useful knock of 18 helped India reach a total of 211 in 46.2 overs.
Tony de Zorzi shines in the Proteas’ run-chase
The Proteas’ pursuit of 212 runs began on a positive note, with both openers adopting a cautious approach in the initial powerplay, contributing only 39 runs. Following a dropped catch by Ruturaj in the slips, Reeza Hendricks, supported by Tony de Zorzi, constructed a solid opening partnership of 130 runs. Hendricks departed after a well-made 52 off 81 balls, falling to Arshdeep Singh. Overcoming a shaky start, Tony showcased an array of strokes to register his maiden ODI half-century, eventually converting it into a brilliant century, finishing unbeaten at 119 from 122 deliveries, featuring nine fours and six maximums.
Rassie van der Dussen, batting at number 3, displayed excellent form, contributing 36 runs in 51 balls and forging a 76-run partnership for the second wicket with De Zorzi before succumbing to Rinku. The Aiden Markram-led side eventually chased down their target in 43.2 overs for the loss of just two wickets.
Also READ: PCB announces Pakistan’s T20I squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
That's that from the 2nd ODI.
South Africa win by 8 wickets.
The three match series now stands at 1-1 with one more game to go.#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/OyMlrBKrCr
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 19, 2023
Tony de Zorzi brings up a beautifully constructed maiden ODI century 🔥
Well done Tony, well deserved!!#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/g4jLSlCNkV
— Werner (@Werries_) December 19, 2023
Well done, Tony de Zorzi. Maiden ODI century vs India. #RSAIND
— Jaywant Parbhoo (@JayParbhoo) December 19, 2023
South Africa won by 8 wicket #INDvsSA #SAvsIND pic.twitter.com/qCGkRSgFtw
— Qais khan (@Rcbian_017) December 19, 2023
MAIDEN ODI CENTURY BY TONY DE ZORZI…!!!
What an innings by De Zorzi – against India in the 2nd ODI. A fantastic knock, a day to remember for him. pic.twitter.com/kxres9xzYv
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 19, 2023
I hope Tony de Zorzi doesn’t vanish like Janneman Malan.
Malan had an incredible start to his ODI career but was still dropped.
— Melan 🐼 (@dravidmelan) December 19, 2023
Player of the Match: Tony de Zorzi for his 119 off 122 balls. "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… pic.twitter.com/qsV7fzSmcB
— 🏏Flashscore Cricket Commentators (@FlashCric) December 19, 2023
Rinku with the bowl vs Rinku with the bat. #SAvsIND pic.twitter.com/SFOFuAHY7k
— Koustav Sengupta (@KoustavOfficial) December 19, 2023
Sanju Samson is waste of time #SAvsIND #INDvsSA
— Heman30391 (@Heman303911) December 19, 2023
The Indian team seems to be struggling on the 19th of every month #iplauction2024 #Cricket #indvssa #savsind
— Debasish Rath (@arre_o_dada) December 19, 2023