MS Dhoni’s heroic knock helps India beat SA by 22 runs

South African team faced defeat on their longest tour to India.

Under-fire Mahendra Singh Dhoni marked his return to form with an unbeaten 92 as India recorded a 22-run victory over South Africa in the second cricket One-dayer to level the five-match series 1-1 in Indore.

“It is not an easy game that we play, a lot of people wait with open swords and want you to make mistakes and have fun with it”, Dhoni said after India bowled out South Africa for 225 in 43.4 overs, in a chase of 248.

Suresh Raina (left) and Ajinkya Rahane celebrate with Harbhajan Singh the fall of De Kock’s wicket during the 2nd ODI match at Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on Wednesday.

F du Plessis remain leading scorer for South Africa with 51 runs. The pair compiled 82 runs for the third wicket before Duminy was trapped lbw by Axar Patel to leave South Africa 141/4 after 24 overs. But India didn’t give up that easily and also made several partnerships in their innings as the Sharma and Rahane made a 150+ partnership before Rahane got out batting at 60 and India were 191-2 in 33.4 overs. Virat Kohli (12) wanted the second run but was sent back by Rahane, resulting in Kohli’s run-out after both the batsmen got stranded at the non strikers end. Then JP (Duminy) and Faf (Du Plessis) batted well and there was another breakthrough.

The nudges, quick singles, shot-arm jabs, pulls, cuts, lofted shots over the bowlers’ heads – all were on full display as Dhoni answered his critics with a knock that was decorated with seven boundaries and four sixes. The charge was given to the Indian captain MS Dhoni who didn’t really bat well and was not able to see his side through and lost the game by 5 runs.

Patel (3-39) was the pick of the Indian bowlers in reply, picking up his first – a crucial strike – to dismiss Hashim Amla for 17, stumped.

IN HIS defence for not getting the team over the line in the opening ODI, India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said “his job of a finisher is a gamble and he has to take the blame when he fails”.

Harbhajan had made his way to 22 off as many balls when he aimed a wild swing at a Steyn delivery and edged behind to De Kock, with the same combination removing Yadav three balls later.

After Rohit’s exit, India needed 11 off the last over to clinch victory at Green Park in Kanpur, but Rabada (2-58) removed MS Dhoni (31) and Stuart Binny (2) in consecutive deliveries to seal the win for the Proteas as the hosts finished on 298-7.

South Africa took an early advantage in the ongoing series after having won the T20 series earlier.

Rahane looked good for his 51 (63 balls, 6 fours) before he was bowled around his legs by Imran Tahir to leave the hosts 102 for four. Celebrations after his bowlers have picked up a wicket are rare; those after clinching a game are none too expansive either. AB de Villiers batted positively, but Kohli took a blinder off Mohit Sharma to get rid of the danger man for 19.

De Villiers, playing his his 191st match, hit a six to reach his three-figure mark and help his side cross 300.