India bat against Proteas

There were two centurions, each magnificent in its own right. But, it will be interesting if they would be able to turn the one-day series in favor of their nation or not.

ICC said de Villiers pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so no formal hearing was required.

After the T20 series and first ODI loss, India skipper Dhoni has been the target of critics. Talking to reporters here today, the stylish Mumbai batsman, Rohit emphasized that if they want to regain the numero uno position, they can not afford to make same mistakes in second match.

A superb century from Rohit Sharma was not enough to prevent India slipping to a five run defeat against South Africa in the opening game of the five-match ODI series.

Two of Rohit Sharma’s hundreds (106 in Dharamsala, 150 in Kanpur) have already gone in vain in this series and the opener wants his bowlers to deliver quality goods. Leg-spinner Imran Tahir removed Sharma and Suresh Raina in the space of five deliveries in the 47th over, before 20-year-old fast bowler Kagiso Rabada nailed his side’s victory in the final over.

With the milestone over, things quieted down and Dhoni brought Ashwin back.

Amla and du Plessis made India toil. Will Stuart Binny get another game? All the while, Amla poked and prodded away to a 59-ball 37.

In came de Villiers and that was the cue for Ashwin to be reintroduced as well.

Earlier, the Proteas had put on a breathtaking batting display after de Villiers won the toss and elected to bat. “In the past, we have had moments where we have lost big moments, so at the moment we are trying to stay in the big moments”.

Dhoni is at a stage of his career when a loss of the captaincy would also mean his ouster from the team.

India have played three ODIs at the venue and have won all the three ODIs at this 27,000 capacity stadium. It was the 45th over bowled by Binny that opened the floodgates.

De Villiers, playing his his 191st match, hit a six to reach his three-figure mark and help his side cross 300. Quinton de Kock and Hashim Amla started cautiously but India struck in the ninth over through R Ashwin. David Miller’s form will be a cause of concern but not something that will give the team management sleepless nights.

Despite losing a well-set Rahane, India were still favourites to seal the run-chase with the likes of Virat Kohli and Sharma at the crease. He kept the flow of runs intact. Though he scored 27 not out off 18 balls, India lost to England by three runs with five wickets in hand.

It was then time to accelerate.

Rohit played all around the park against both pacers and spinners. Gosh, he looks good when he is in such form. Eventually, though, they were left with too much to do. Dhoni walked out, but struggled to get going. He was cramping a bit, but even with minimal footwork, he was deadly.