South Africa vs India 2018, 3rd ODI: Hits and Misses
The third ODI of the six-match series between South Africa and India just emboldened the question marks that had surrounded the hosts through the first two games: their inability to tackle wrist-spin, their powerlessness against Virat Kohli's willow and the gaping holes left in their batting line-up by the absence of some superstars.
The only thing that went right for Aiden Markram on the day was the toss. After the coin took his side, the stand-in skipper chose to field first. However, there wasn't much he could do as his bowling attack was rendered useless against the mastery of the Indian skipper, who remained unbeaten through the innings to power India to a massive total of 303/6 at the end of 50 overs.
The South African batting unit just capitulated to the pressure in the second innings and could do nothing but put up a meek fight before falling to the brilliance of India's wrist-spinners.
Here are the hits and misses from India's emphatic 124-run victory in Cape Town:
#1 Hit: JP Duminy
JP Duminy probably is the only South African player who can keep his head high after the defeat at Cape Town.
He played like a true all-rounder on the day and contributed with both the willow as well as the cherry. While his effort didn't even come close to taking South Africa over the line, it is still worth a mention and a couple of plaudits.
He scalped two important wickets with the ball in the first innings of the game, when the seam bowlers were unable to break the partnership between Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli. Duminy stepped up to send the Indian opener back to the pavilion, and then followed that up with the dismissal of Ajinkya Rahane almost immediately thereafter.
Coming in to bat at Number 3. he also scored an impressive half-century against a quality Indian attack. He made 51 off 67 deliveries before he was caught LBW by Yuzvendra Chahal in the 22nd over of the innings.