SA vs IND: Port Elizabeth brings a new challenge for Virat Kohli and his troops

After three excoriating experience in the One-Day International series, the South African team needed a snippet of optimism to help pick themselves up for the remaining games against India. Fortunately for the hosts, they received some respite in the ‘Pink ODI’. Their resplendent in pink to raise money for a greater cause, ensured they maintained their unbeaten record on this beautiful day. In the crackerjack of the encounter, the wicketkeeper-batsman Heinrich Klaasen along with the swashbuckler David Miller helped Proteas register an all-important win.

Going into the fifth encounter which is scheduled to take place on Tuesday (13 February) at St. George’s Park, Port Elizabeth will pose new challenges in front of the Men in Blue who seems to be in red-hot form. Though the scoreline is in the favour of the visitors, the past records which Indian Team carry on this ground is something they will look to forget, especially the skipper Virat Kohli.

Stats do not favour Indian team

Going by the stats, the venue which hasn’t been lucky for the previous four India captains – Mohammad Azharuddin, Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Mahendra Singh Dhoni. This is because India have played four ODIs on this ground and lost on all occasions. Furthermore, they failed to take the team’s total past the 200-run mark in all four matches.

In first of the four occasions, the Indians were bowled out for a mere score of 147 runs as the Mohammad Azharuddin led team suffered a six-wicket loss. The next three encounters were not too different from the first one as all remaining games were lost in most obnoxious manner.

Virat Kohli and his troops will look to recreate the history and not let the past affect teams’ environment. The batters including the skipper, Dhawan, and MS Dhoni are looking rock-solid and will try their level best to help Indian side to register their first victory in Port Elizabeth, which eventually will help them to register first ever series win in South Africa.