Gkebarha (South Africa), December 20: Left-handed batsman Tony De Zorzi played a brilliant unbeaten century and shared a strong 130-run partnership with Reeza Hendricks (52). On the basis of this brilliant performance, South Africa registered a spectacular victory over India by eight wickets on Tuesday and leveled the three-match ODI series 1-1.
De Zorzi brought up his half-century in just 55 balls, helping the hosts reach the 100-run mark in just 126 balls. Hendricks, who was completing his half-century with the help of seven fours in 71 balls, fell victim to a short ball from Arshdeep Singh, which went to Mukesh Kumar near square leg. Despite this, De Zorzi maintained his composure and added 76 runs for the second wicket with Rassie van der Dussen (36 off 51 balls, 5×4). De Zorzi reached the three-figure mark in 109 balls with the help of nine fours and four sixes.
Even though Rassie van der Dussen was out for 206, the result seemed clear for India. KL Rahul used eight bowlers, but none could disrupt the South African batting rhythm.
In the previous innings, South African fast bowlers Nandre Berger (3-30) and Beuron Hendricks (2-34) along with spinner Keshav Maharaj (2-51) produced a brilliant bowling performance to restrict India to 211 runs.
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THE PROTEAS LEVEL THE SERIES 💪
The Proteas bounce back in emphatic fashion led by a stunning madien century by Tony de Zorzi 👌
What A Victory! 🇿🇦#WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/ENjUy3W1EX
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) December 19, 2023
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Sai Sudarshan’s contribution of 62 runs in 83 balls with the help of seven fours and one six and Rahul’s contribution of 56 runs in 64 balls with the help of seven fours were noteworthy. However, after winning the toss and electing to field first, the rest of the Indian lineup struggled to establish a long-term presence at the crease.
Ruturaj Gaikwad (4) became the victim of LBW out on the very second ball of the match. From 4/1, India faltered further at 46/2 as Tilak Verma succumbed to a well-executed Nandre Berger bouncer, caught at fine leg.
SAI Sudarshan and KL Rahul steadied the ship with a 68-run partnership for the third wicket, with Sudarshan completing his half-century off 65 balls. However, a crucial wicket then fell when Sudarshan was caught behind by a brilliant delivery from Lizard Williams.
Sanju Samson (12), Rinku Singh (17) and Azar Patel (7) were unable to make significant contributions due to the collapse of the middle order. Despite Rahul completing his half-century off 60 balls, India struggled to reach a competitive total, finishing at 211 runs, well below their target.
