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Captain Temba Bavuma must be a relieved and happy man after South Africa successfully outclassed India by four wickets in the high-scoring second ODI in Raipur. The Proteas chased down a massive 359-run target with four balls to spare, thanks largely to an outstanding century from Aiden Markram, which ensured the series was leveled at 1-1.
Temba Bavuma on Tony de Zorzi, Nandre Burger's injuries
However, the victory was marred by major injury scares. Left-arm seamer Nandre Burger suffered a hamstring injury that significantly curtailed his participation in the second ODI and could potentially impact the remainder of his season. South Africa faced another concern when Tony de Zorzi pulled up towards the very end of their chase and was forced to retire hurt on 17 after the 45th over.
However, when asked Burger and Zorzi's injuries, Bavuma admitted that it didn't look good but team there are players waiting in the wings if need be.
"[De Zorzi and Burger] Did not look good, Nandre not being able to finish his spell and Tony walking out. If need be we have the guys waiting in the wings to do the job come Saturday," Bavuma said at the post-match presentation.
The injury concerns began with left-arm seamer Nandre Burger, who appeared to lose his run-up twice at the start of his seventh over. He seemed to struggle to land on his right leg, clutching his right knee before ultimately walking off the field. Skipper Aiden Markram was required to complete the remainder of the over.
Later in the match, South Africa suffered a second injury scare involving Tony de Zorzi. The incident occurred as he completed a second run after Corbin Bosch called him through; although he reached the non-striker's end, De Zorzi was seen hobbling the final third of the distance. He received on-field treatment and decided to continue batting, but when Bosch hit the next ball for four, requiring de Zorzi to hop on one leg, he chose to retire hurt. He was on 17 runs off 11 balls when he left the field, with South Africa just 27 runs away from victory after 45 overs. De Zorzi walked off unaided but very gingerly, suggesting the injury is potentially serious.
Kohli, Gaikwad's tons go in vain
Talking about the match, batting first, India posted a formidable total of 358/5, driven by two centuries. Virat Kohli struck his 53rd ODI hundred with 102 runs off 93 balls, while Ruturaj Gaikwad celebrated his maiden century in the format with a score of 105 off 83 balls. Additionally, KL Rahul added a crucial unbeaten 66. For the Proteas, Marco Jansen was the top wicket-taker, claiming two.
In response, South Africa chased the challenging target with remarkable confidence, successfully overhauling the score to finish at 362 for six in 49.2 overs. Aiden Markram anchored the successful reply with a leading score of 110, ably supported by Matthew Breetzke (68) and Dewald Brevis (54). On the bowling side for India, Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna both managed to claim two wickets apiece. With the series tied, the deciding third and final ODI is scheduled to be played on Saturday.
"Happy to have crossed the line. I think coming into this game we were thinking how we can get better with the ball. With the bat we had to put a stand up up front. The partnership with Aiden and Breetzke carrying on his form and Bosch showing a lot of maturity finishing it off. Unbelievable game and I think it was a record chase and it showed how tough it is to play against this Indian side," Bavuma added.
"I came into the crease with Aiden, he was hitting the ball and I was trying to build a partnership with him. Wanted to take the game deep, although that's not the thing anymore in modern cricket. But it was about the partnership. A lot of confidence we can take from this and set up an enthralling series. [Is this SA's best XI?] The guys here are your best players, definitely. There is a high level of competition between the guys. Batters are scrambling for their positions and Quinton is back. And similarly for bowlers. Performances like this hold us in good stead," he concluded.
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