From a bowling perspective, South Africa struggled as they failed to bowl out India throughout the series with Kohli scoring three centuries of the highest order and Shikhar Dhawan helping himself to one. Despite that, the Mumbaikar continued his flow of runs to bring up his century in the 36th over after he got a lucky escape batting on 96 being dropped by Tabraiz Shamsi. He passed 9500 runs in ODI cricket, while he also recorded his 35 century in this format of the game. Heinrich Klaasen makes no mistake in taking the catch, as Ngidi celebrates.
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After victories in Durban (by six wickets), Centurion (by nine wickets) and Cape Town (by 124 runs), India were beaten on Saturday in a rain-hit fourth ODI, but stormed back to claim the series with a 73-run victory over South Africa at Port Elizabeth, reported Times of India.
Khaya Zondo, in only his third ODI, top scored with 54 as Shardul Thakur took 4-52. Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal picked two wickets while Kuldeep Yadav and Hardik Pandya took wicket apiece.
When he departed, the Proteas were stuck in that dreaded mode of survival which – ironically – was a game-plan executed quite well by Andile Phehlukwayo (34) and Morne Morkel (20). True, the wickets in the series provided assistance to the spinners and the hosts were hit hard by injuries but that should not take any credit away by from the performances of Kuldeep and Chahal.
Brief Scores: South Africa: 204 all out in 46.5 overs. When everyone thought there would be many changes, Kohli ruled out any complacency.
After sealing the first ever ODI series win in South Africa by India, captain Virat Kohli eyes ICC World Cup 2019 after a solid foundation for preparation. The pitch is green again and will be very supportive to the team bowling second in this game.
Now the action will shift to the SuperSport Park in Centurion where the 6th and final ODI of the series will be played. This will be the only second time when India will be chasing in this series. Kohli might also fancy playing his bench-strength in the dead rubber consisting of handy batsmen Dinesh Karthik, Manish Pandey and Kedar Jadhav.
The way the series went augurs well for us.
“For now, 4-1 feels fantastic. We want to win 5-1, for sure, but there might be a scenario for a few more guys to get a chance in the next match”, he said.
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Hashim Amla says South African cricket will in future reap the handsome rewards of the investment they have made in rising star Aiden Markram. Only Kagiso Rabada has bowled more – 887 balls to Bumrah’s 877 – this year and should also earn a rest although South Africa should be more desperate for a face-saving win than India’s quest for 5-1.
