Twitter/@BCCI
India beat South Africa by seven wickets to level the series 1-1 in the second ODI held in Ranchi on Sunday. Shreyas Iyer (113 not out) starred for India with a stunning century. Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan also played a vital knock of 93 runs, as India cruised past the South African score with 23 balls to spare. Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj also starred in the show after he bagged three wickets in his 10 overs for 38 runs.
1⃣1⃣3⃣* runs
1⃣1⃣1⃣ balls
1⃣5⃣ foursA game-changing knock from @ShreyasIyer15 as he bags the Player of the Match award! 👏👏#TeamIndia | #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/7kjHzj9MqW
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 9, 2022
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Earlier, South Africa posted a competitive total of 278/7 in their 20 overs. Opener Reeza Hendricks (74) and Aiden Markram (79) scored crucial runs for the visitors. They added 129 runs for the third wicket to lay a firm foundation for the Proteas’ total. However, they lost key wickets in the latter part of the innings and lost the way in their bid to score above 300. Indian bowlers played it smart in the death overs and did not allow the South Africans to score it big.
How did India win the match?
India lost two wickets for 48 runs while chasing that challenging target. The third-wicket pair of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer carried the team forward with a substantial partnership. The duo added 161 runs for the third wicket, as India reached the target without trouble. After Ishan fell, while attempting a six over deep long-on, last game’s hero Sanju Samson arrived at the crease. Shreyas and Sanju added 70 runs unbroken stand for the fourth wicket.
Series leveled 1️⃣-1️⃣ 👏🏻👏🏻
A magnificent run-chase by #TeamIndia against South Africa to register a victory by 7️⃣ wickets in Ranchi! 🙌🏻
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/6pFItKAJW7 #INDvSA | @mastercardindia pic.twitter.com/cLmQuN9itg
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 9, 2022
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India played the game with a simple strategy. They picked three pacers and three spinners in the team. Three of them were all-rounders: Washington Sundar, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Shardul Thakur. It helped a great way in maintaining the balance of the team. Interestingly, third pacer Shardul only had to bowl five overs.
Lessons from the win
India made an excellent team combination, suited to the demands of ODI cricket. They have ticked many boxes, by giving chances to youngsters to prove their potential. India will feel a void after the 2023 World Cup with Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma not having more years in their hand. India will need to find alternate options, and they are already on it.
9⃣3⃣ Runs
8⃣4⃣ Balls
4⃣ Fours
7⃣ SixesWhat a stunning knock that was from @ishankishan51! 🔥 🔥
Follow the match ▶️ https://t.co/6pFItKAJW7 #TeamIndia | #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/OZYyVrX1xG
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 9, 2022
These wins also would encourage the team to take more chances as they head into a transition phase in ODIs. The young guns are likely to get more and more opportunities after the ICC World Cup 2023.
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