Team India levels the One-Day series played between India and South Africa, defeated guest team by 22 runs in a low scoring match played at Holkar Cricket Ground Indore. Supported by memorable inning of Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and controlled bowling attack of Indian spinners throughout the game, all this came out when it was most needed for the confidence on team and more importantly for MS Dhoni.
The brilliant fight back of team India yet again proved its metal in International cricket. India winning the toss opted to bat first, this decision turned against when both the openers were sent back to pavilion at a score of 53 runs, misery with the team continued when Virat Kholi suffered run out on just 83 runs.
However a turnaround was seen in the game with a convincing batting of Anjikiya Rahane managed to reach 50 runs mark from the other side of pitch. By the time Rahane could capitalize on his innings, was bowled out on bowl drifting on to leg side of Imran Tahir, left India in a big trouble of losing the match. Mahendra Singh Dhoni playing on another end kept the match alive with its tremendous unbeaten knock of 92 runs came out in just 86 balls, ultimately helped India to put on board a respectable total of 247 runs, well supported by tail coming down the batting lineup.
Chasing the under par total South African team went off with a decent start, but kept on losing wickets at regular intervals facing some controlled bowling of Indian spinners Harbhajan Singh and Axar Patel, they both shared 5 wickets Patel took three wickets and Harbhajan settled with two, whereas Bhuvneshwar Kumar stocked 3 South African batsmen, while Umesh Yadav and Mohit Sharma took one wicket each.
At one point of time this match appeared to be a complete one sided, clearly going in favor of guest team. Few crucial wickets at right time made game alive, obviously supported by sharp fielding efforts and nice catches taken at right moment.
Team India which has struggled for a win in T20 internationals, finally losing the T20 series with 2-0 was really a heart breaker for Indian fans and selectors as well, leaving them with a double mind which invited speculations of dropping Dhoni from the captain in One-Day international as well.
But against odds Dhoni brigade once again stood up against tough situation and performed well when it was required for the team and country as well. However this tour is too long and there are 3 more One-Day matched to be played between both the teams, followed by a four match’s test series, so it would be surely through a better path before its winner.
