5 Talking Points of India v South Africa, 3rd ODI, Rajkot

5 Talking Points of India v South Africa, 3rd ODI, Rajkot: With the series tied at 1-1, the third match of the series was eagerly awaited by both teams and fans alike. While India was looking for an overall improvement, the visitors would have expected a better performance from their batsmen. South Africa’s bowling has largely been consistent and it continued that way in the match which could have gone either way. Here’s a look at the 5 Talking Points from this important encounter:

1. Quinton de Kock’s brilliant century:

The talented left-hander’s record against India is spectacular and he made sure he added another ton to it. Having failed to capitalize on the solid starts he got in the previous 2 ODIs, de Kock looked determined to play a big one at Rajkot. The pitch looked good for batting though the hot temperature provided a challenge which de Kock overcame in fine style. A first wicket partnership of 72 with David Miller from 13.3 overs laid the foundation for a big total for his team. He was fluent in his stroke play through the covers and down the ground. His elegant straight drives off Mohit and Bhuvi were a delight to watch. He brought up his fifty in the 21st over of the innings when the South African score was 94/2. Harbhajan and Mishra were bowling well in tandem hence he did not take any undue risks against them. He brought up his fourth ODI ton against India in fine style smashing Mohit through the covers for a boundary. He was soon run out by a brilliant piece of fielding from Dhawan which ended his knock on 103 off 118 balls which included 11 fours and 1 six. His contribution took SA to a competitive score of 270/7 from 50 overs and ultimately proved the difference.

2. Indian spinners stifle the Proteas:

Although the hosts had managed to win the previous ODI, their team selection in that match had rightly raised many eyebrows. Dropping an in-form leg-spinner wasn’t the smartest of moves, especially on Indian pitches. India finally played to their strength and picked Amit Mishra in place of the wayward Umesh Yadav who had failed to make any impression. The spin trio of Harbhajan, Mishra and Patel bowled 29 tight overs conceding 130 runs with a wicket each. Bhajji and Mishra bowling in tandem put the breaks on scoring and changed the momentum in India’s favor. Miller was brilliantly deceived by the off-spinner while the leggie took the important wicket of Amla, tossing one up which invited the master batsman to drive. He missed it and was smartly stumped by Dhoni. Patel conceded 51 runs off his 9 overs, however, got the huge wicket of AB de Villiers which pegged back the visitors.

3. The Kohli-Dhoni Partnership:

Virat Kohli was sent to bat at his favourite batting position today. Batting at number 3 he had a chance to score a big one and win the match for India. Dhoni came in at number 4 and the two added only 80 runs off 18.4 overs at a run rate of 4.28 which put the pressure on India in that last 10 overs. JP Duminy was allowed to bowl a spell of 8 overs for just 46 runs and Rabada gave only 39 runs off his 10 overs. After a well made 65 off 74 balls from Rohit Sharma, Kohli and Dhoni should have scored at a faster pace and never allowed the asking rate to go high. In trying to bat cautiously in the middle overs they ended up making a mockery of a relatively easy run chase. Although on paper it may seem like a fine contribution, Kohli’s 77 off 99 balls and Dhoni’s 47 off 61 balls proved too slow for India’s liking and ultimately gave the visitors a chance to get back into the contest.

4. Dhawan and Raina play irresponsible knocks, yet again:

The best time to bat on slow surfaces is when the ball is new as was the case In South Africa’s innings. Shikhar Dhawan played 29 balls and scored just 13 runs with a strike rate of 44.82 which is ordinary to say the least. This put pressure on Rohit Sharma to do all the scoring and by the time Dhawan was dismissed India had only put on 41 in 10.4 overs. Suresh Raina also disappointed with his mindless cricket yet again in this series. His shot reminiscent of the one he played in the first ODI against the same bowler Imran Tahir. Raina had a well set Kohli at the other end for company and should have given the strike to him against the leggie instead decided to take him on. It was the second ball that he faced and in trying to clear the boundary he ended up getting caught at long off. Better contributions are expected   from senior players like Dhawan and Raina who have thus far disappointed.

5. Morkel’s match winning spell:

On a slow pitch that was tailor-made for spinner, the tall fast bowler showed his class and bowled a brilliant spell to win it for the Proteas. Changing his pace cleverly, he flummoxed the Indian batsmen and kept them guessing. He first removed Dhawan, caught behind by AB, bowling a good length ball outside off stump. He used the slower-ball bouncer to good effect and took Dhoni’s wicket which gave SA the belief that they could win this match. Then he delivered the final blow off two successive deliveries. First he removed the well-set Kohli and then Rahane; both out trying to hit over mid-wicket boundary only to be caught in the same position by Miller. He was rightly adjudged the player of the match for his spell of 4/39 from 10 overs including a maiden over.

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