Interruptions and chances to Miller cost us the game, says Shikhar Dhawan

The South African team finally managed to make a comeback in the ODI series against India. They won the fourth ODI by five wickets (DLS Method) to keep the series alive and reduced the margin to 3-1. Also, they managed to keep their winning streak with the Pink jersey going. The Proteas have won all the games when they donned the pink jersey so far. After winning the toss and electing to bat first, India got off to a blistering start. Although they lost the wicket of Rohit Sharma early, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli continued their good form.

This duo was involved in a 158-run partnership before Virat got out. Dhawan carried on to score a century in his 100th ODI game and Team India looked good to post a target above 325. However, a lightening interruption meant that the batting team dropped their momentum and failed to carry on after the break. They lost some quick wickets and were restricted to 289 in 50 overs.

Catches win you matches

South Africa got off to a good start in the game. Skipper Aiden Markram looked very good just before he got out and it was followed by yet another rain break. The South Africans knew that the DLS will come into play and played an aggressive brand of cricket right from the start. However, it was David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen who got them into a commanding position. Some sparks off the bat of Andile Phehlukwayo sealed the game for the Proteas.

Opener Shikhar Dhawan said twin rain breaks coupled with reprieves to Miller cost India dearly in the game. The left-hander was given two lives — a dropped catch in the deep and then was bowled off a no-ball off Yuzvendra Chahal. He was on 6 and 7 not out respectively and then went on to make 39 off 28 balls.

“The main reason was, of course, the dropped catch and then a wicket off no-ball. From there the momentum changed. Otherwise, we were in very good position,” Dhawan said at the post-match press conference. “Of course rain had an impact too. Our spinners couldn’t turn the ball or grip the ball the way they did in the last three matches. It makes a difference when the ball gets wet. That’s the reason,” he added.

Interruptions didn’t help the cause

A considerable time of 166 minutes was lost in the game meaning that the Proteas innings had to be cut short by 22 overs. Dhawan also defended the decision to bowl first. “We took the decision to bat first because in the evening the ball moves here. There’s also the effect of the breeze and it can have an impact,” he said.

The southpaw also added that the interruptions hindered their flow. He said Miller grabbed the lives with both hands and changed the complexion of the game. “Miller also played very well. Luck was on his side. First, he was dropped and then got bowled off a no-ball. Usually, our spinners don’t bowl no balls. He took that chance with both hands and went on to change the momentum of the game,” Dhawan concluded.