South Africa were a flaming wreck in the first ODI and will need a quick response to stay in the series.
India won’t be terribly sure of their own good form because South Africa were so dreadfully poor.
St George’s Park in Gqeberha hosts an ODI for the first time since 2019. India have played six ODIs at St George’s Park, including five against South Africa with just one win to their name.
South Africa vs India | Second ODI | Tuesday 19 December 2023 | St George’s Park, Gqeberha | 13:00
South Africa
South Africa fell victim to a pace blitz after winning the toss in the series opener and have now bee well and truly forced onto the back foot in this series.
At the World Cup every batsman looked in form, but with just a few changes, all of that has gone clear out of the window.
Without Quinton de Kock after his retirement and several injured players the batting proved far too brittle despite appearing a longer lineup at least than the team has recently deployed.
The bowling in defending a small target wasn’t as aggressive as it needed to be, but with a lack of experience, this kind of thing might be expected.
India
Arshdeep Singh is the toast of the India squad after he grabbed an opening match five-for that put the tourists right on top and gives them important momentum.
The weather might play its part on this match, but if anything, a shortened contest will favour India.
Avesh Khan also backed up Arshdeep with a brilliant array of deliveries that left the Proteas guessing, and he will be a danger again.
Sai Sudharsan was afforded an easing into the international scene as he played a largely pressureless knock and ended unbeaten on debut.
Verdict: India
India should prove unstoppable for a South African side depleted by injury.
