The first One Day International between South Africa and India was referred to as Pink Day, in support of Breast Cancer Awareness.
The Proteas were wearing a pink kit, topped with a pink helmet and pink pads that looked like strawberry ice cream - I just wanted to lick them. The South African cricket team sponsors came out to play - Adidas, Momentum, Castle Lager. Most things were pink. The stumps, ribbons, beer cups, SALSOC banner, Momentum flags, Castle Lager boards, ground staff t-shirts - most things were pink.
India wore pink ribbons and apparently had their names or numbers written in pink on their backs - well, I didn't see the pink numbers.
However, not many supporters were wearing pink - that was disappointing.
Unfortunately, the Proteas had just come from a 2-1 series loss to Pakistan on home soil and were about to take on India (1) who have never won an ODI Series in South Africa.
Media everywhere scaring South Africa about the quality of the Indian bowlers. However, where were they during the Proteas innings?
India won the toss and chose to bowl. In one over India missed two catches, both de Kock and Amla. However, as Amla and de Kock batted, South Africa's projected score kept increasing. Amla reached his 23rd ODI 50 and his 5th against India. Going so well, the Proteas took batting powerplay in the 29th over. Eventually Amla was gone for 65 runs, breaking their 152 run partnership.
De Kock recorded his 2nd ODI century against no. 1 ranked ODI side. He is so good, that he is yet to score a half century in the few matches he has played. De Kock was dismissed for 135 runs.
When it comes to discussing de Kock, Graeme Smith's name pops up. It appears youngster de Kock will unwillingly take Smith's place - permanently. This could indicate that Smith's career will be over because there's a new king in town, and he's giving selectors a headache.
When de Villiers came to the crease, he began smashing shots like there's no tomorrow. Our skipper making batting look effortless, and when he taps the Proteas badge on his shirt - pulls on my heart strings.
He was later joined by Duminy who also whacked a couple of balls across and over the boundary. De Villiers reached his 35th ODI 50 and his 9th against India. Duminy also reached an ODI 50, his 18th and 4th against India. Together they took the Proteas to 358-4 after 50 overs.
The total became South Africa's highest total in 16 ODIs. To some extent, this match reminds you of the 438 match against Australia.
India found themselves needing 359 runs to win in 50 overs from 7.18 runs per over. When Virat Kohli stepped to the crease, Yuvraj Singh was sitting in the dressing room like he was afraid or anxious. Kohli was dropped on 2 by de Kock, but eventually, he was out for 31 after giving India a vital boost. Singh came in and was dismissed for a duck - I think they should bring back the duck.
At one point India lost 3 wickets for just 5 runs, while the required run rate just kept increasing. At 65-4, Dhoni came to the crease - reminded me of Misbah-ul-haq - if you watch cricket, you'll know what I'm referring to. Dhoni was also dropped, this time by Miller on 18 and went on to make 65 runs until he was bowled by Steyn. He reached his 51st ODI 50 and his 3rd against South Africa.
Although the Proteas were in the driving seat, they were struggling immensely with extras. They produced a total of 29 extras. I guess Allan Donald has some work to do with his bowlers.
India were bowled out in 41 overs, only managing 217 runs. Steyn and McLaren taking 3 wickets each and de Kock finally named Man of the Match. The Proteas winning the 1st ODI by 141 runs and lead the 3-match series 1-0.
THE PINK DRIVE
Any direct hit of the inflatable giant ‘M’ in Momentum Family Area means a R100,000 donation. For every 6 hit into the Momentum Family Area, Momentum will donate R10,000 to @ThePinkDrive!
"@Momentum_za: To support breast cancer awareness we’ll donate R10 to @ThePinkDrive for every RT. Early detection saves lives. Get examined. #PinkDay5Dec"
"@OfficialCSA: Support a great cause by SMSing PinkDrive to 40158 to donate R20 #PinkDay5Dec"
"@OfficialCSA: We love the boundaries! Remember, for every 4 hit by either side, Bidvest will donate R1000 to #ThePinkDrive. #PinkDay5Dec #PureProtea"
"@OfficialCSA: @CastleLagerSA will donate R400 for every 4 hit by the Proteas and R100 for every run they score. #PureProtea #PinkDay5Dec"
"@OfficialCSA: @adidasZA will donate 20% of every shirt sold at the stadium to the @ThePinkDrive #PinkDay5Dec"
"@OfficialCSA: R5000 made off that last over. Bidvest donation: Every 4 = R1000, Every 6 = R4000 #GoBoys #PinkDay5Dec #PureProtea"
"@OfficialCSA: R27 800 has been raised for #PinkDay5Dec so far! It's for a great cause! #BreastCancerAwareness #GoBoys #PureProtea" (±1 hour played)
"@OfficialCSA: 12 761 people at the Bidvest Wanderers at the moment. Looking forward to a packed ground later in the afternoon. #PinkDay5Dec" (± 15:00)
"@OfficialCSA: R153 200 has been raised so far off the Proteas' innings. Well done boys! #PinkDay5Dec #BreastCancerAwareness"
"@CastleLagerSA: We will be donating R 35 800 towards breast cancer. Thank the Proteas for their help in scoring all those runs. Cheers! #PinkDay5Dec"
"@OfficialCSA: R205 200 has been raised from runs scored so far for The PinkDrive & their mission to raise awareness about breast cancer! #PinkDay5Dec"
"@OfficialCSA: R15 624 has been donated via the SMS line. Thank you everyone who's been taking part! #PinkDay5Dec"
"@OfficialCSA: Great news! @Momentum_za are donating a further R100 000 despite the big inflatable 'M' in the family area not being hit! #StandingOvation"
NELSON ROLIHLAHLA MANDELA
A few months ago I said when Nelson Mandela dies, broadcasts will be disrupted and the world will stop and watch. That's what happened. Right in the middle of my cricket highlights, Nelson Mandela is on the screen. I'm thinking SuperSport made a mistake. When I took a proper look 'NELSON MANDELA PASSED ON PEACEFULLY IN THE COMPANY OF HIS FAMILY AROUND 20:50 CAT ON THE 5TH OF DECEMBER 2013.' - shock of my life! I just sat there in the disbelief.
@OfficialCSA: You played a fine innings.
@YesWeCrann: Madiba's final victory, in death, is uniting the nation that he fought so hard for. #RIPMandela
