CUTTACK: India and South Africa face off in the second Twenty20 International at Cuttack on Monday with the hosts facing a must-win situation.

Rohit Sharma’s superb 106 went in vain as the Proteas pulled off a thrilling final-over victory in Friday’s match at Dharamsala, thanks largely to J.P. Duminy‘s unbeaten 34-ball 68.

South Africa’s Farhaan Behardien bowls during a nets session on Sunday. — Reuters
South Africa’s Farhaan Behardien bowls during a nets session on Sunday. — Reuters

India will have rued their one-dimensional pace attack, as the lack of pace of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohit Sharma, and Sreenath Aravind meant that the South African openers had no problem getting them off to an excellent start. Despite India taking three quick wickets, some poor bowling at the death ensured that the Proteas came out on top

With only Sharma and Virat Kohli getting amongst the runs, India will want the rest of the batsmen to find their groove in the second game.

India are unlikely to make sweeping changes to the line-up, though Akshar Patel’s expe­nsive 22-run over at a crucial jun­c­ture might encourage the Indians to opt for one of the more experienced spin­ners is Amit Mishra or Harb­hajan Singh.

As for South Africa, Marchant de Lange, Chris Morris, and Imran Tahir were all taken apart. The option of Eddie Leie bowling at Cuttack will be tantalising for the visitors; he would be an ideal replacement for de Lange or Morris.

Published in Dawn, October 5th , 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.