After facing an eight-wicket defeat in the first ODI, South Africa (SA) made a strong comeback in the second, thrashing India (IND) by the same margin at St. George’s Park, Gqeberha on December 19. The third and final game is scheduled to be played on Thursday, December 21st at Boland Park in Paarl.
In the second ODI, the Proteas won the toss, and India batted first. Ruturaj Gaikwad was dismissed on the second ball of the match while Sai Sudharsan and KL Rahul contributed with half-centuries, scoring 62 and 56 respectively. Nandre Burger took three wickets, while Keshav Maharaj and Beuran Hendricks picked up two each to limit India to 211.
In reply, openers Reeza Hendricks and Tony de Zorzi formed a strong partnership of 130 runs. Hendricks scored a half-century and de Zorzi remained unbeaten on 119, guiding South Africa to a victory. Arshdeep took one wicket and debutant Rinku Singh also claimed one wicket.
de Zorzi has been the highest run-scorer in the series so far, with 147 runs in two matches while Sudharsan is the second-highest with 117. In the bowling department, Arshdeep had stood out with six wickets in the two matches. Both teams will face off in the series decider on December 21.
Meanwhile, here are some of the important stats and numbers ahead of the 3rd ODI between South Africa and India:
Head-to-Head: South Africa and India have met each other 93 times in one-day internationals, with the Proteas winning on 51 occasions and the Men in Blue on 39. Three encounters ended with no result.
1 – Aiden Markram (49) is one big hit away from completing 50 maximums in ODIs.
3 – David Miller (247) needs three sixes to complete 250 maximums across formats.
3 – Andile Phehlukwayo (147) requires three scalps to reach 150 wickets in international cricket.
2 – Klaasen (148) needs 2 fours to get to 150 fours in ODIs.
2 – Axar Patel (98) needs 2 fours to complete 100 fours across formats.