CT 2017, Match 11, IND v SA – India Player Ratings

In a virtual quarter-final, India were up against South Africa at the Kennington Oval, London. It was an all-take-home match as the winner was set to make it to the semi-finals whereas it would be curtains for the losers. It was expected to be a tightly fought contest but the defending champions proved to be too good and powered their way to the next round of the ICC Champions Trophy.

India opted to bowl first after winning the toss and the seamers made a terrific start. Bhuvneshwar and Bumrah didn’t let the openers score freely and kept a check on the scoring. The lack of intent hurt South Africa and they lost wickets at regular intervals. There were 3 run-outs including that of AB de Villiers which meant they were bowled out for just 191 in the 45th over.

In reply, Rohit Sharma departed cheaply but Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli constructed a wonderful partnership of 128 runs. The duo set the match up for India. Dhawan got out after scoring 78 but Kohli stayed unbeaten and finished the job with a knock of 80. India cruised past the line by 8 wickets having 12 overs still to be bowled.

Here’s how the Indian players performed in the match:

Rohit Sharma – 4/10

The opener got going with a four and a six off consecutive deliveries off Kagiso Rabada. Rohit was looking in a good touch but all of a sudden, he attempted to go over the top against Morne Morkel but an outside edge to the keeper cut short his stay to 12 off 20 balls.

Shikhar Dhawan – 8.5/10

Dhawan has been in an outstanding form in this tournament and once more turned up with a lovely innings. Despite the early loss of Rohit, he went on with his job unflustered. He scored 78 off 83 balls with 12 fours and a six and got out in the 31st over but not before he had put his side one the verge of a victory.

Virat Kohli – 9/10

The skipper walked out to bat in the 6th over at the fall of Rohit. He did not let the pressure build and took the matters in his hands. Along with Dhawan, he added 128 runs for the 2nd wicket. Even after Dhawan’s departure, Kohli was unperturbed and stayed until the end at 76. Add to that, his captaincy that was instrumental in halting South Africa to a paltry score.

Yuvraj Singh – 6/10

When the left-hander came out to bat, India still needed 41 runs with plenty of overs still remaining. Kohli was flourishing at the other end and Yuvraj played the perfect foil for his skipper. He stayed not out for 23 off 25 balls and finished the match with a six.

Hardik Pandya – 7/10

There was an argument before the game that Pandya should make way for Ashwin but India stuck with him. He did total justice to his selection as he ran AB de Villiers out cheaply and then removed the dangerous Faf du Plessis and ended with figures of 52/1 in 10 overs.

Ravichandran Ashwin – 7/10

Everyone demanded the inclusion of the off-spinner in the side after India’s poor bowling against Sri Lanka. Ashwin made an immediate impact as he took the first wicket of the innings in the form of Hashim Amla after the opening pair added 76 runs. He finished with figures of 43/1 from 9 overs.

Ravindra Jadeja – 7/10

The left-arm spinner received a hammering at the hands of the Sri Lankans in the previous match but he made a terrific comeback against the Proteas. Jadeja accounted for the wicket of Quinton de Kock who was shaping up for a big score. Jadeja’s figures of 39/1 in 10 overs put a check on the scoring.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 8/10

The seamer bowled an excellent spell at the top despite the absence of swing. He didn’t let the openers break free and bowled tight lines. He came back at the death and dismissed Kagiso Rabada and Morne Morkel off consecutive deliveries. Bhuvneshwar was certainly the pick of the bowlers having figures of 23/2 in 7.3 overs.

Jasprit Bumrah – 8/10

Just like Bhuvneshwar, Bumrah too bowled extremely well and kept the South African batsmen at bay. Although he didn’t pick up any wickets in the first spell, he came back during the slog overs and sent back Chris Morris and Andile Phehlukwayo to end with figures of 28/2 in 8 overs.

MS Dhoni – N/A

The wicket-keeper did not get a chance to bat and hence doesn’t classify for a rating. But he gets a special mention for his excellent glove-work that contributed in the wickets of AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla, Kagiso Rabada and Imran Tahir.

Kedar Jadhav – N/A

Jadhav didn’t get to bowl or bat and hence doesn’t classify for a rating.