Whatever the Proteas have in mind to become a top-tier unit one day is missing something. Indeed, based on what occurred here at Boland Park last night, there is still some work to be done.
On a beautiful evening in the winelands, India won the Betway One-Day Series by a 78-run margin thanks to superior batting, bowling, and fielding.
At the moment, it’s difficult to explain why the Proteas‘ fortunes swing so wildly from game to game, having bounced back so magnificently in Gqeberha after their Wanderers’ ‘Pink Day’ capitulation, only to crash back down again.
Everything went wrong the moment Aiden Markram decided to bowl in the 40-degree heat of midday.
Sanju Samson scored his first century for India in his 17th one-day international, leading his country to a solid total of 296-8 after being asked to bat first in the series finale against South Africa on Thursday at Boland Park in Paarl.
Even the early loss of both openers Rajat Patidar and Sai Sudharsan within the Powerplay to Western Province left-armers Nandre Burger and Beuran Hendricks could not derail India’s methodical approach on a traditional Paarl surface that demanded patience.
Sanju Samson (108) demonstrated his ability with a cautious approach that resulted in his maiden ODI century. The Rajasthan Royals batsman timed his innings perfectly, batting 110 balls and forming a valuable 52-run partnership with his captain KL Rahul (21 off 35 balls) before making the Proteas sweat in a 116-run stand with Tilak Varma (52 off 77 balls).
The platform Samson laid allowed the dynamic Rinku Singh (38 off 27 balls) to provide the impetus required for the Indian innings, with the visitors finishing on an impressive 296/8.
Although the two southpaws Hendricks (3/63) and Burger (2/64) were the most successful Proteas bowlers, the combined economy of spinners Keshav Maharaj and Aiden Markram of only 3.73 runs per over suggested that the home side may have made a mistake in their selection.
Tabraiz Shamsi’s Betway SA20 home ground is Boland Park, and the conditions certainly favored him being included in the starting XI. Similarly, Western Province all-rounder Mihlali Mpongwana would have been disappointed not to be given an ODI debut here after performing well in domestic matches recently.
In any case, the Proteas’ inability to successfully devise a run chase was once again horrifyingly exposed.
At the moment, tactical nous appears to be lacking, with only Tony de Zorzi impressing once more. The Western Province opener is playing with a lot of confidence right now and appeared to be on track for a second ODI century after his brilliant innings at St George’s Park a few days ago.
Unfortunately for De Zorzi and the Proteas, he was trapped LBW after the decision was overturned on review, and departed for 81 off 87 balls.
De Zorzi will be full of confidence heading into next week’s Test series, which begins on Boxing Day at Centurion.
Unfortunately, the rest of the Proteas’ batting unit could only follow De Zorzi’s lead with a couple of starts for Markram (36) and Klaasen (21), but neither could provide the needed support on the night.
Arshdeep Singh (4/30) was India’s main destroyer once more, grabbing another four-wicket haul to go with his maiden five-for in the series opener at the Bullring.
Scorecard
296/8 (Samson 108, Varma 52, Hendricks 3/63, Burger 2/64) India
South Africa totaled 218 (De Zorzi 81, Markram 36, Arshdeep 4/30).
India won by 78 runs and took the series 2-1.
