Last Updated on 7 years by Charbel Coorey
First, it was no AB De Villiers for South Africa, and they struggled without him in the opening game. Now, the man who saved their batting effort with a superb 120 in Durban, Faf Du Plessis, is out for the rest of the series with a finger injury.
South Africa, led by the young Aiden Markram, now well and truly have their backs to the wall. India are like a pack of wolves right now, hunting their prey, and who better to lead them than the ruthless, magnificent Virat Kohli. India and their fans now smell a big series win, and will look to spin South Africa into a web once again in Centurion.
Key to a South Africa win
Had it not been for Faf Du Plessis, the 1st ODI would have been over a lot sooner. Now, with him out for the rest of the series, the rest of the South African batting line up must take extra responsibility.
South Africa have spoken at length about how Virat Kohli is the backbone of India’s batting lineup, and how if they get him early, they’ll beat India. What they should be focusing on instead is better handling India’s wristspinners, who combined for 5/79 in 20 overs in the 1st ODI, in a score of 269/8.
South Africa, led by Du Plessis, did well to reach such a score, however, the key is to find ways to better rotate the strike against Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav. When 20 overs of your innings brings about a score of 5/79, it is very hard to win a game of cricket.
Quinton De Kock struck at under 70 for his 34, and none of Hashim Amla, Aiden Markram, JP Duminy or David Miller got more than 16. In the absence of Du Plessis, this must change in the 2nd ODI.
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Faf Du Plessis was superb in a losing cause |
Key to an India win
I mentioned in my
1st ODI Preview that India’s batting looks strong, especially with the addition of Ajinkya Rahane, who became only the 3rd Indian to score 5 consecutive ODI half centuries. Virat Kohli did what Virat Kohli does best, and anchored another successful run chase for his team.
However, the win in the 1st ODI was set up by the bowlers, especially the two wristspinners as mentioned. On what is expected to be a good batting pitch in Centurion, India’s effectiveness at the top and in the middle overs will be key to make South Africa unable to properly launch in the slog overs.
Again, the bowlers will have a key role to play, this time against a line up with no AB De Villiers or Faf Du Plessis. India smell blood in the water, and must go in for the kill.
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Three of India’s top performers in the 1st ODI |
Predicted teams:
Aiden Markram, in just his 3rd ODI, will captain South Africa. His leadership skills were highly thought of when he led the South Africa Under-19 team to World Cup glory in 2014, but this will be a huge test for the young man. Farhaan Behardein will replace Faf in my opinion, as they will want his experience. Also, Imran Tahir needs to step up after taking 0/51 in 10 overs in Durban.
South Africa XI: 1. Quinton De Kock (wk), 2. Hashim Amla, 3. Aiden Markram (c), 4. JP Duminy, 5. Farhaan Behardein, 6. David Miller, 7. Chris Morris, 8. Andile Phuhlekwayo, 9. Kagiso Rabada, 10. Morne Morkel, 11. Imran Tahir
There is talk of Bhuvneshwar Kumar being rested in Centurion again as the pitch might not offer too much for his bowling. I expect him, as well as both wristspinners, to play. Otherwise, no changes to the winning formula from the 1st ODI.
India XI: 1. Rohit Sharma, 2. Shikhar Dhawan, 3. Virat Kohli, 4. Ajinkya Rahane, 5. MS Dhoni, 6. Kedar Yadav, 7. Hardik Pandya, 8. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 9. Jasprit Bumrah, 10. Kuldeep Yadav, 11. Yuzvendra Chahal
Stats & Facts:
- In the 1st ODI, India broke South Africa’s winning streak of 17 straight ODIs at home.
- Aiden Markram is now South Africa’s second youngest captain in ODIs, after Graeme Smith.
- MS Dhoni is 98 runs away from reaching 10,000 ODI runs.
- After their win in the 1st ODI, India are the new no.1 ODI team.
- 20 of Virat Kohli’s 33 ODI centuries have come when chasing.
Prediction:
With no Faf Du Plessis or AB De Villiers, I see India’s bowling attack giving South Africa’s batsmen problems once again.
Also, with India’s batting line up looking like anyone can step up when required, I expect India to win. Man of the match will be Rohit Sharma, with solid contributions from Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane once again.
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