 India registered a remarkable one run win to pull level the series. South Africa
looked all set to ease to a comfortable victory at Johannesburg on Saturday, but
disciplined bowling from India and lack of direction from South Africa cause India
to celebrate a much needed win. The series is ideally poised at one a piece with
three games to go. Third ODI will take place at Cape Town with the physiological
stakes pretty much even.
South Africa are regularly accused of not handling the pressure situations well and they didn't do themselves any favour at Johannesburg. From being comfortably placed to win the match and go two up in the series South Africa stuttered out of nowhere and conceded the game.
Click for Live Score Card of India Vs South Africa
It was evident that South Africa have and will miss the batting experience
of Jacques Kallis who is rested for the series. The batting line showing lack
of discipline and maturity will be a cause of worry for Graeme Smith.
As far as the bowling is concerned, South Africa have found a new star: Lowando
Tsotsobe. He again shined in the series removing four South African batsmen.
There is trouble for South Africa in spin department as Johan Botha has not
really fired in the series yet.
The conditions will be similar in Cape Town to Johannesburg for the third game on Tuesday. South Africa would be wary of this Indian side that can turn things around quickly. Both teams will fight to go ahead in the series.
South Africa have won two of their last five ODIs.
India now will have a renewed sense of belief that they can win from any situation.
Indian bowling was slightly criticized during the Test series but they have
answered their critics in a remarkable way. As the series enters decisive phase
India have found Munaf Patel to partner Zaheer Khan to form a good bowling
attack. However, India's batting worries continue as they missing Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir dearly.
Lack of regular openers and dodgy forms of Rohit Sharma, Murali Vijay and Suresh
Raina pose a great deal of concern for MS Dhoni. The tracks in Cape Town
will offer movement for the seamers and there is a chance of overhead conditions.
Bowlers of both teams are in better form than batters; let's see who takes more
advantage. India have the momentum going into the January 16 game and
would like to make it count.
India have won four of their last five ODIs.
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