South Africa vs. India: Cricket
This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content. |
India’s victories: 2010-13
World Cup 2015
Feb 23 2015 ATTACK, TO A PLAN
India won the toss and happily elected to bat at the packed MCG.They lost Rohit Sharma for a duck but stuck to the plan of seeing off South Africa's seeing off South Africa's dangerous new ball bowlers. Shikhar Dhawan (137) and Virat Kohli (46) stayed calm, waiting for the storm to pass. They pulled out their big shots only after they got acquainted with the perfect batting track; but that too only if they got the width or length to play them. The thrust was provided by Ajinkya Rahane, who attacked without ever looking like he was. His 79 off 60 deliveries propelled India to a grand total of 307
STEADY LINE & LENGTH
When India lost 4 quick wickets (261 for 2 to 284 for 6) in their final few overs, it looked like they might have fallen short by a few.Especially against the attacking six of South Africa. But as the evening set in and the lights were switched on, India's pace bowlers came into their own. Mohammad Shami and Mohit Sharma found the right line and length to crowd the batsmen, adding to the pressure. They hardly bowled any boundary balls and were spectacularly backed by their mates in the outfield.Spinners R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja did the rest, playing on SA's renowned fragile nerves.
DE VILLIERS RUNS OUT SA
India removed their nemesis Quinton de Kock early but they knew there were other tormentors too. After Hashim Amla's unconvincing stint, Faf du Plessis and AB de Villiers dug in, clearly waiting for the right moment to cut loose. Just when the pressure was easing, Jadeja brought it right back with four dot balls. De Villiers got unnerved and tried to convert a single into a double. Mohit fired in a perfect throw and Dhoni whipped off the bails.The India captain celebrated like he rarely does. De Villiers' run out in the 23rd over marked the beginning of the end for South Africa.
