SA vs IND: High-flying India look to seal ODI series against South Africa in Gqeberha
India will be looking to seal the three-match ODI series against South Africa when they take on the hosts in the second ODI at the St George’s Oval in Gqeberha on Tuesday, December 19.
India registered a commanding win against South Africa in the first match of the series, defeating them by eight wickets. The Men in Blue bowled out the Proteas for just 116 runs in 27.3 overs on the back of Arshdeep Singh’s five-wicket haul, as he became the first Indian to achieve the feat against South Africa at their home.
In reply, B Sai Sudharsan and Shreyas Iyer smashed half-centuries as India cruised over the finish line with eight wickets and 37.2 overs in hand. They will now be looking to seal the series with a win in Gqeberha while the hosts will be looking to bounce back in the series.
If the pitch plays as it did in the recently-concluded T20I series, which was drawn 1-1, then spinners can be expected to play a big part. Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel could be key for India, while South Africa may turn towards the experience of Tabraiz Shami and Keshav Maharaj.
TEAM NEWS
With Iyer leaving the side to prepare for the two-match Test series, Rajat Patidar could be given a chance at number 3. Apart from that, India should stick with their tried and tested formula from the first ODI.
Sanju Samson will also be in the spotlight, as he did not get to bat in the first ODI, and will be looking to prove himself following the 2023 ODI World Cup snub.
As for South Africa, Aiden Markram would be hoping to get the best of their under-strength squad. Their middle order comprising of Markram, David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen will be crucial for their success in the second ODI.
MATCH DETAILS
SA vs IND: Second ODI
Venue: St George’s Oval in Gqeberha
Date: Tuesday, December 19
Timing: 4:30 PM IST
Broadcast: Star Sports and Hotstar
PREDICTED XIs
India: Ruturaj Gaikwad, B Sai Sudharsan, Rajat Patidar, KL Rahul (C/WK), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar.
South Africa: Reeza Hendricks, Tony de Zorzi, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram (C), Heinrich Klaasen (WK), David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Wiaan Mulder, Nandre Burger, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi.