The fans eagerly watch their team on the field, biting their nails waiting for the final decision that will decide the winner of the series.
The Indian team created history in Port Elizabeth by beating South Africa in the fifth ODI by 73 runs. This is the first time that India have beaten the Proteas in a bilateral series in South Africa. India now leads the six-match series 4-1.
Earlier in the day South African skipper Aiden Markram won the toss and made it bat. It was Rohit Sharma who leads the Indian batting with his 17th century. Rohit scored 115 runs from 126 balls. He was supported by opener Shikar Dhavan and Skipper Virat Kohli who took 34 and 36 runs respectively. The skipper who was looking good unfortunately got run out due to a misunderstanding with Rohit. However, after Rohit’s dismissal, the Indians found it difficult to score as they ended the innings for 274 for 7 in 50 overs. Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi picked up 4 wickets while Kagiso Rabada got 1 wicket.
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Chasing 275 runs, both Amla and Markram gave a solid start of 52 runs to the home team. However, it was pace Jasprit Bumrah who made the first blow by dismissing the South African skipper. Hardik Pandya too joined in the proceedings by dismissing J P Duminy and the dangerous AB De Villiers back to back. Later it was the turn of the spin twins. Both Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal chipped in by taking wickets at regular wickets. They ended with figures of 4 for 57 and 2 for 43 respectively. All-rounder Hardik Pandya also effected a run-out thereby dismissing Hashim Amla who played beautifully and scored 71 runs. This run out was the turning point for India as Amla along with wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen seemed to steer away to the victory mark. South Africa was eventually bowled out for 201 runs.
It was an all-around performance by the Indian teams with the top order batsmen as well as the bowlers gave major contributions. Fielding was also top-notch. The victory helped India seal the series with one match to go as they won their first ODI series in South African series. It was also Virat Kohli’s 37th ODI win in 48 matches and made him join the likes of legendary captains such as Ricky Ponting and Clive Lloyd with as many wins in as many matches. The final ODI of the series will take place on Friday at Centurion.
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