END OF OVER:50 | 14 Runs | IND: 287/6 | RR: 5.74
- Ravichandran Ashwin25 (24b)
- Shardul Thakur40 (38b)
- Sisanda Magala7-0-64-1
- Lungi Ngidi8-0-35-0
One stat to chew on, courtesy stats whiz Sampath: This is only the 18th instance in all ODIs of a team bowling 50 overs without a single bowler completing his full quota of 10.
2.26pm: An excellent stand between Shardul and Ashwin has taken India to 287. Not too far off from South Africa's 296 in the first game. At various points in their innings, India looked like they would get much less than they got, and much more than they got too. In the end, they'll be quite satisfied by 287. It gives the bowlers a cushion to bowl at. Rishabh Pant sparkled brightest for India, and when he was there even 350 seemed in reach. For South Africa, the spinners did the job, Markram taking 1 for 34 in eight, Maharaj 1 for 52 in nine and Shamsi 2 for 57 in nine. The latter two went for a few runs at the end, but their wickets were crucial. Remember, this is the same pitch on which the first ODI was played, so there's going to be some wear and tear for India's spinners to work with. We'll be back with the chase shortly, don't go anywhere.
Pribin: "India manages to get decent score. Thanks to Ashwin and Shardul at the tail. But remember this may not happen always, India need to work on their middle order"
Jaco: "Nigidi left with two overs unbowled? Seems a bit of a gaffe to me. Would have made much more sense to let him bowl more at the death." --- in hindsight yes, but the spinners had been keeping it so tight, I wouldn't fault Temba too much for sticking with them.
Rahul: "Let the lord get another half century..He deserves those milestones.Guy's been relentlessly saving us overseas!!Hail Lord!!" --- he has 16 to get. not impossible but difficult. He'll have Magala to face to do it.
END OF OVER:49 | 5 Runs | IND: 273/6 | RR: 5.57
- Ravichandran Ashwin18 (21b)
- Shardul Thakur34 (34b)
- Lungi Ngidi8-0-35-0
- Tabraiz Shamsi9-0-57-2