South Africa vs India 2018, 4th ODI: Hits and Misses
Change of jersey colours proved to change the shade of South Africa's fortunes in the 4th game of their six-match ODI series against India. When they donned the pink flannels, the blues that they experienced after defeats in first three ODIs transformed into a rosy victory at the New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday (February 10).
Something seemed to click for the hosts on the day:
AB de Villiers' return to the playing XI bolstered the team's spirit more than its batting line-up. The initiative that they played for (raising funds for breast cancer charity) must've infused them with a whole new degree of self-motivation. The rain-curtailed aspect of the match also played wonderfully into their hands, helping them paint a perfect chase in the second innings of the game.
However, these factors still do not take anything away from the fight and spirit South Africa showed to clinch the victory. With this win, they have stopped Virat Kohli and Co. from clinching the series, as of yet at least. India lead 3-1 for now, with games at Port Elizabeth and Centurion still in the docket.
Here are the hits and misses from India's first limited-overs loss on the tour:
#5 Hit: Heinrich Klaasen
The Proteas wicket-keeper, like the rest of his team, had a pretty ordinary series up until the Johannesburg ODI. However, Klaasen stepped up in a crunch game under testing circumstances and ensured that he took his team over the line in the rain-curtailed encounter.
The right-handed batsman stitched an immensely important partnership with David Miller after the fall of de Villiers' wicket. He ensured that the blow did not deter South Africa's chances of getting the better of India on the day.
He played a tremendous knock of 43 off just 27 deliveries and stayed unbeaten through the innings. He took the attack to the Indian wrist-spinner duo, neutralizing the threat posed by them. The 26-year-old was conferred with the Man of the Match award for his splendid batting display.