10.50pm The series is alive and we move to Rajkot next, which is a slightly bigger ground but with a much flatter pitch, before the action goes to Bengaluru. Do join us on Friday for the next game, but it's not like there's no other cricket going on. Until then, it's goodbye and good luck from me, Vishal Dikshit, Himanshu and Chandan. Ciao!
Chahal is the Player of the Match: I was bowling too many and quick sliders in the last game. I spoke to Paras sir and coaches about it. So I tried to bowl quick legbreaks, but with a different seam position today. I want to turn and dip the ball, I couldn't do it the last time so they were able to hit through the line. I tried to get some turn and change the line of the ball. I was trying to bowl to my strengths today. When you get middle-order batsmen out in the middle overs, the pressure is on them. Batsmen try a lot of sweeps and reverse sweeps these days so we have to be prepared for that too, as bowlers. In the last game too there was some help for spinners but I didn't bowl that well. The ground is big, thankfully in Rajkot (laughs)!
Pant: I talked about execution and that's what we saw today, from both batters and bowlers. We thought we were about 15 short but we weren't thinking too much about that; the bowlers did a fantastic job. Especially in India the spinners play a big role in the middle overs to contain the batsmen. So there is pressure on them to perform, but in such matches when it comes off, this is what happen. I don't think it's a good thing for us (middle order not performing), but after a good start it's difficult for new batsmen to go straight away. We will try to improve in the next match.
Bavuma: It wasn't our best effort today collectively. With the ball they put us under pressure. Probably could have done more, batting didn't pitch up, we couldn't get any partnerships or momentum. This game, yes, our fielding wasn't up to scratch. There have been some improvements. We have been among the best in the world but I won't judge us only on this game. While batting we always try to have a look at the first two overs and then get some momentum. We couldn't do that, and we came under pressure after losing three early wickets. Quinton is an integral member of the team, even with this experience and knowledge. Reeza is soeone we back at the top and we've seen what he's done in domestic. Quinton is not there, we can't cry over that.
Harshal: "We wanted to execute certain plans which didn't work out in the last few games for us. You follow the process... those are the things that carry you and improve your game. We want to continue to achieve our bowling goals. It was slower than Kotla, and easier to bowl hard lengths."
Jenil: "That's Rahul Dravid the coach for you. He backs the players. Way to go."
Jayant Isswani: "The selection of players was never an issue. The problem was utilisation of them by the captain. He did a good job today."
10.22pm Rishabh Pant's first win as India captain. India make it 2-1 with a big win. It seemed like they had fallen short after they were restricted to 179 despite looking good for 200, but the bowlers back the batters' efforts. Four South Africa batters went into the 20s, but the highest remained Klaasen's 29. Four wickets for Harshal, and three for Chahal, and that's that.
T Shamsi c Avesh Khan b HV Patel 0 (2m 1b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0.00
Harshal will finish things off. Over the wicket to Shamsi.
END OF OVER:19 | 5 Runs 2 Wkts | SA: 131/9 (49 runs required from 6 balls, RR: 6.89, RRR: 49.00)
- Wayne Parnell22 (18b)
- Tabraiz Shamsi0 (0b)
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar4-0-21-1
- Avesh Khan4-0-35-0
A Nortje run out 0 (4m 1b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0.00
Nortje is in, but will be off strike for now
KA Maharaj c Karthik b Kumar 11 (10m 8b 0x4 1x6) SR: 137.50
Vikas : "It is great that the current Indian management have backed the players despite a couple of poor performances. This will give massive confidence moving forward." --- This, after so many called the selection meaningless following two losses.
Bhuvi back.
END OF OVER:18 | 11 Runs | SA: 126/7 (54 runs required from 12 balls, RR: 7.00, RRR: 27.00)
- Keshav Maharaj11 (6b)
- Wayne Parnell17 (15b)
- Avesh Khan4-0-35-0
- Harshal Patel3-0-25-3
NethraReya: "I'm out three out of three today so far. Expected Zim to beat Afg, SA to chase down easily and NZ to atleast cling on to a draw. If Aus lose to SL, will be four out of four for the day. Cricket is a funny game :)"
Around the wicket to Parnell now
Akhil: "@AshC..At this stage SA would need Shanaka batting from both ends"
Avesh into his last now
END OF OVER:17 | 5 Runs 1 Wkt | SA: 115/7 (65 runs required from 18 balls, RR: 6.76, RRR: 21.66)
- Keshav Maharaj1 (1b)
- Wayne Parnell16 (14b)
- Harshal Patel3-0-25-3
- Avesh Khan3-0-24-0
New batter Maharaj on strike now
K Rabada c Chahal b HV Patel 9 (11m 8b 1x4 0x6) SR: 112.50
AshC: "SA need Dasun Shanaka's services here. 59 in last 3 overs, few days ago." --- And here is his secret.