South Africa posted a competitive 213/4 against India in the second ODI at New Chandigarh on Wednesday, with Quinton de Kock leading a spirited batting display after India elected to bowl first following their comprehensive victory in the opening encounter.
De Kock emerged firing, racing to 20 from just 13 balls within the first three overs. The left-hander’s aggressive intent provided immediate relief after the Proteas’ struggles in the previous match.
Reeza Hendricks’ innings ended abruptly in the fifth over when Varun Chakravarthy clean bowled him for eight with his first delivery of the match. Hendricks attempted to drive through the off-side but misjudged the spinner’s flight.
Captain Aiden Markram joined de Kock to rebuild the innings, with the wicket-keeper reaching his half-century in the ninth over through a brilliantly placed boundary. De Kock’s 51 came from just 26 balls, demonstrating remarkable recovery from his duck in the first ODI.
The Proteas reached 90-1 at the halfway stage with de Kock unbeaten on 62 from 31 deliveries, maintaining a healthy scoring rate of nine runs per over. Following the drinks break, de Kock continued his assault with another six.
Arshdeep Singh struggled with his accuracy, conceding six wides in the tenth over whilst attempting to dismiss de Kock. Markram’s innings ended on 29 (26) when he holed out to Axar Patel in the deep whilst seeking another maximum.
At 121-2, Dewald Brevis joined de Kock, supporting the senior batsman whilst contributing boundaries of his own. Shubman Gill nearly held a spectacular catch from Brevis but his foot touched the boundary handing Brevis the six instead.
Jitesh Sharma runs out South Africa’s Quinton de Kock. Photo: Sajjad HUSSAIN / AFP Credit: AFP
De Kock’s magnificent innings concluded on 90(45) in the 16th over when Jitesh Sharma’s sharp work resulted in a run-out. Brevis followed shortly after, caught by Tilak Varma for 14.
David Miller immediately attacked upon arrival, scoring 12 not out from seven balls alongside Donovan Ferreira. Their unbeaten 53-run partnership from 25 deliveries propelled South Africa to a defendable total. Ferreira finished with 30*(16) and Miller 20* (12) after the 20 overs.
The Proteas struck 15 sixes during their innings, with Arshdeep Singh particularly expensive, conceding 54 runs from four wicketless overs.
India require 214 runs from 120 balls to secure the victory.
