Gqeberha (South Africa): Gqrberha (South Africa): Hosts South Africa rode an unbeaten hundred by opener Tony de Zorzi to beat India by 8 wickets in the second ODI, which was played here on Tuesday.
South Africa thus levelled the series 1-1 after KL Rahul led India had won the opening game. Opting to bowl, South Africa first bundled out India for a partly 211 and then romped home in 42.3 overs, courtesy de Zorzi's unbeaten 119 off just 122 balls. de Zorzi was the cynosure of eyes at St George's Park as he pummelled the Indian attack to submission. He and opener Reeza Hendricks (52 off 81 balls) laid the foundation of the win with their 130-run stand for the first wicket.
However, Reeza Hendricks perished soon after noticing his half-century and was caught by Mukesh Kumar off pacer Arshdeep Singh (1 for 28). However, that did not deter Tony de Zorzi from playing his shots and he took the Indian attack to cleansers by hammering nine boundaries and six maximums. He found an able ally in one down Rassie Van Der Dussen (36 off 51 balls), who played his part to perfection. Dussen hit five boundaries but was dismissed in the 42nd over, when the hosts, were just one shot away from the win.
De Zorzi then completed the formalities alongside Aiden Markram (2 not out) as celebrations erupted in the South African camp. De Zorzi was named as the Player of the Match for his stupendous knock. This was the sixth loss for India in 7 ODIs at St George's Park. The only win for India at this venue came against South Africa in 2018.
The third and series-deciding ODI will be played at Boland Park in Paarl on Thursday, December 21. South African bowlers dished out a clinical show as they bowled out India for a meagre 211 in the second ODI being played at St George's Park here.
South African bowlers justified their skipper's decision to opt to bowl as pacer Nandre Burder (3/30) removed opener Ruturaj Gaikwad (4) cheaply after he trapped the right-handed batter in front of the wickets. One down TilaK Varma (10 off 30 balls) also fell early as he became Nandre's second scalp and gave a catch to B Hendricks. India was in a spot of bother at 46 for 2.
Opener Sai Sudharsan (62 off 83 balls) and skipper KL Rahul (56 off 64 balls) rallied the Indian innings with their 68-run stand for the third wicket. The duo played with caution. While Sai hammered seven boundaries and a maximum, Rahul's knock was laced with seven fours.
It was Lizaad Williams, who provided the much-needed breakthrough as he removed Sai Sudarsan, who was caught by Heinrich Klassen. India lost their third wicket for 114 and then kept losing wickets at regular intervals as the skipper was devoid of partners.
Rahul became Nandre's third victim and soon fell after completing his half-century. No other batter showed a spine as India was bundled out for 211 in 46.2 overs. For the hosts, Burger was the pick of the bowlers and was ably supported by Lizard Williams (1/49), Beuran Hendricks (2/34), Keshav Maharaj (2/51) and skipper Aiden Markram (1/28).
South Africa needs 212 runs to win and level the three-match series 1-1. India won the first ODI played at the New Wanderers in Johannesburg by 8 wickets.
