India eye moving from the top of the selection list for the third ODI against SA Paarl (South Africa)
New Delhi: India’s hopes of winning their second ODI series in South Africa It will take the opener’s strong start into the third and final match at Paarl on Thursday. The first two games followed a similar pattern of failed opening combinations.
In the Rainbow Nation, India’s last ODI win was in 2018, and they need a strong start from both sides. Ruturaj Gaikwad and B Sai Sudharsan to be with someone.
With scores of 55 and 62 in his first two matches of the series, Sai Sudharsan it looks good. However, Gaikwad could not help him on the other side.
In Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth, India’s first wicket partnership collapsed at 23 for 4, with the right-hander falling for nine.
On the other hand, South African opener Tony de Zorzi (who made his debut years) is Reeza Hendricks he killed the chase and added 130 runs.
Similarly, Tilak Varma, whose career had initial promise, has seemed to falter in the past few months.
The powerful left-hander seems to have fought his way into South Africa as he battled for success in the home T20I series against Australia. Here, the batsman from Hyderabad is yet to reach his full potential.
India are without middle-order Shreyas Iyer to support the innings, so Gaikwad and Varma, unless they are replaced by unselected Rajat Patidar for tomorrow’s encounter, should regain their form. For Madhya Pradesh, the 30-year-old Patidar bats at number 4.
After the first one-dayer, Iyer took part in the intermediate game to prepare for the next Test.
Boland Park, which usually leans towards batsmen, can provide comfort, however, to these successful batsmen.
The pitch of Port Elizabeth was a little inconsistent, especially in the first innings, while Paarl’s ship often provided the truth and delivery, which allowed the batsmen to swing freely and hit without fear.
It can also push the think tank to give it another chance to hit for free Sanju Samsonwho got out for 12 in the last over, and the Kerala cricketer wearing the big gloves in Port Elizabeth could be a sign of that.
Ahead of the third ODI, India were a bit worried about their bowling line-up. Mukesh Kumar needs to don his batting gear soon as he has not picked up a wicket in his last two matches.
Tony de Zorzi, the Proteas opener, aggressively forced his way through the sides with powerful hacks, the Bengal batsman found it difficult.
In the first match, Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan did a good job of destroying; in the second game, the first one kept its character.
To set up South Africa, Mukesh needs to set the pace with the new ball and take a wicket or two early.
The team management may also consider allowing veteran leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, whose tour of South Africa ends tomorrow, to play.
He has been playing well recently for Haryana in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
It is not seen, however, whether the management will be able to attract Axar Patel or Kuldeep Yadav to Chahal.
The spin combo of Kuldeep and Axar are looking to add as much game time as possible to their names as both have been selected for the Test series.
De Zorzi’s left side may give South Africa hope of finding a long-term replacement. Quinton de Kock.
The Proteas will be hoping that fast bowler Nandre Burger, who also exploded with the new ball, will give the Indians another tough game.
Groups:
India: KL Rahul (captain, WK), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Tilak Varma, Rajat Patidar, Rinku SinghShreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson (wk), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Akash Deep
South Africa: Aiden Markram (captain), Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Mihlali Mpongwana, Wiaan Mulder, Beuran Hendricks. Rassie van der Dussen, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lizaad Williams, Kyle Verreynne
(With PTI inputs)
