South Africa levelled the ODI series 1-1 with a 51-run victory over India at New Chandigarh on Wednesday, dismissing the hosts for 162 whilst defending their total of 213.
India’s chase began promisingly when Abhishek Sharma struck Lungi Ngidi for six in the opening over, but two deliveries later Shubman Gill edged to slip where Reeza Hendricks pounced on the catch, sending the opener back for a duck at 9-1.
Sharma continued his aggressive approach with another six off Marco Jansen in the second over before the left-arm seamer responded with a brilliant delivery that Quinton de Kock caught behind. Sharma’s dismissal for 17 (8) India struggling at 19-2.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav departed for five in the fourth over when South Africa’s successful review overturned the initial not-out decision, leaving the hosts precariously placed at 32-3.
Tilak Varma began positively, scoring 10 from three balls, whilst Axar Patel attempted to accelerate with a straight six over the bowler’s head. However, Patel’s dismissal for 21 following Ottniel Baartman’s delivery and Hendricks’ reviewed catch left India at 67-4.
At the halfway mark, India had managed 81-4 compared to South Africa’s superior 90-1 at the same stage, highlighting their mounting pressure.
Varma and Hardik Pandya constructed a crucial partnership, with Varma reaching his half-century in the 14th over through a powerful six. The left-hander contributed 41 from 23 balls before Pandya’s dismissal for 20 triggered India’s collapse.
Marco Jansen delivered outstanding figures of 2-25, whilst Baartman proved devastating with 4-24. The pace bowler bowled Shivam Dube with sheer pace.
With 52 required from nine balls, India battled for pride before Varun Chakaravarthy’s dismissal off the opening ball of the final over completed their innings.
Also read: De Kock stars as South Africa set India 214 target
Baartman’s exceptional bowling performance secured South Africa’s 51-run victory, levelling the series at 1-1 in this 5 game series.
Final scores: South Africa 213-4, India 162 all out. South Africa won by 51 runs.
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