The backdrop
India finally won the 2nd ODI after losing 3 matches in a row. They lost the T20 series 2-0 and the first ODI by 5 runs. The team was under immense pressure and the only way to release the pressure was to win the 2nd ODI and they were successful in that. South Africa went near to the target of 247 runs but couldn’t win the match as they fell short of 22 runs. This win will surely boast the morale of India team and will motivate them to do well in the coming matches. Indian batting has always remained strong and it is something they never worried of. But so far in this series, their batting line seems to be their weak point. Batsmen have failed to score runs. Virat Kohli did well in the first T20 but failed to continue his form in the first 2 ODIs. He scored 11 and 12 runs respectively. His form is very crucial for the men in blue if they want to put up a good fight in the remaining 3 ODIs. On the other hand, Ajinkya Rahane is doing a very fine job. He has scored two consecutive fifties in the first and second ODI. The captain MS Dhoni is also in fine form. Although he couldn’t help India won the 1st ODI but definitely help them won the 2nd ODI. He remained unbeaten on 92 runs.
South Africa has been playing good cricket on this tour. They won the T20 series comprehensively and beaten India in the first ODI as well. The skipper AB de Viliers id in good form and scoring runs. He scored a century in the 1st ODI off just 73 balls and helped his team put up a decent total on the board. He is kind of a player who can win matches single-handedly for his team and a player on which one can trust. Du Plessis has also been scoring runs, scored 2 back to back fifties in the first two matches. Almost all of the African batsmen are in good touch except Miller. He scored 13 and 0 runs in the first and second ODI respectively. Miller need just one good innings to come out of pressure. Overall, the South African team looks good and stronger than India.
Keep an eye out for
Shikhar Dhawan will be under a lot of pressure in the 3rd ODI as he failed to score runs in both T20s and ODIs. He scored 11 and 3 runs in the two T20s and 23 & 23 in the 1st and 2nd ODI correspondingly. It is important for India to get a good opening start and it can only be possible if Dhawan performs well.
David Miller is also in same form as Dhawan. He scored 13 and 0 in 2 ODIs. Miller is a power hitter and can pace up the score when needed. His form is essential for the African team.
Stats & trivia
Hashim Amla needs just 27 runs to complete his 6000 runs in ODIs. He will be the 6th South African do so.
AB de Villiers need 86 runs to become the 2nd highest run-scorer for South Africa in ODIs.
