Once again I graced Sahara Kingsmead Stadium with my presence to watch the 2nd ODI between South Africa and India.
A wet outfield caused a delayed start at Kingsmead. The match was rescheduled to start at 11:30. India won the toss and chose to bowl. Due to the delayed start, the playing conditions were revised. The match was reduced to 49 overs per side with the powerplays remaining the same.
After the passing of Nelson Mandela, the tour dedicated to him and before the start of the match Archbishop Njongo Ndungane and AB de Villiers spoke about Madiba.
There was a moment of silence in honour of our late former president Nelson Mandela who passed away last Thursday.
"Nelson Mandela was God's instrument of peace," said Archbishop Njongo Ndungane.
Once you speak about Madiba Magic, it carries you home. And that is exactly what the Proteas did. From the start of the match until the last person was dismissed, they were in it to win it.
The Proteas couldn't have wished for a better start. De Kock and Amla behind it all once again. Amla reached the fastest 4 000 ODI runs. Amla and de Kock passed their previous 152 run partnership and together they recorded the highest 1st wicket partnership at Kingsmead, beating 170 runs by A. Gilchrist and M. Hayden in 2001-2002.
De Kock continued his good form as he went on to score another century. Making it his 3rd overall and 2nd against India. A few overs later Amla got his century, making it his 12th and 3rd against India. Unfortunately, their 194 run partnership ends with the dismissal of de Kock in the 35th over.
The Proteas finished their 49 overs with 280-6, with India needing 281 runs to win. Mohammed Shami was the pick of the Indian bowlers, claiming 3 wickets for 48 runs.
India could've had a better start. After 10 overs they could only manage 35 runs with the loss of 4 wickets.
A slight drizzle at the stadium could've caused the umpires to take the players off the field. However, they didn't. Raina was the only top scorer for India, scoring 36 runs.
Unfortunately the Proteas dismissed India for 141 runs in 35.1 overs. India were all out with the first ball of the batting poweplay. Tsotsobe claimed 4 wickets while Steyn took 3 wickets.
The Proteas won by 134 runs and won the series. Again de Kock was named Man of the Match for scoring 106 runs and taking 4 catches. At the rate he's going, he might also win Man of the Series.
At the stadium, one of the Indian supporters had a poster written 'WORLD CHAMPIONS v WORLD CHOKERS'. I think that supporter left with his tail tucked between his legs.
The 3rd and final ODI will take place on 11 December at SuperSport Park, in Centurion at 13:30.
Do I sense a WHITEWASH?
