Raipur: In a match that promised fireworks but ended in heartbreak, India suffered a stunning four-wicket defeat to South Africa in the second ODI here at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, despite posting a formidable 358 for 9 in 50 overs.
Aiden Markram’s gritty 110 steered the Proteas to victory with 4 balls to spare, chasing down 359 on a dew-kissed evening.
But what went wrong for the hosts? Here are five glaring reasons that turned triumph into tragedy.
First, the toss proved fateful. South Africa captain Temba Bavuma rightly opted to bowl, cashing in on the heavy dew that later greased the chase, making the ball skid and bowlers struggle under the floodlights. Had India won it, the script might have flipped.
Second, India’s death-over dalliance with caution stifled momentum. In the final 10 overs, they mustered just 74 runs, with KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja’s partnership refusing to ignite. Experts reckon an extra 15-20 runs could have pushed the total beyond South Africa’s reach, closer to 375.
Third, the bowling attack leaked like a sieve. Prasidh Krishna’s eight-over spell cost 85 runs for a measly two wickets, while Kuldeep Yadav bled 78 in his full quota. Their inability to stem the flow handed South Africa the edge in the middle overs.
Fourth, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s nightmare summed up the fielding woes. The opener not only flopped with the bat but also grassed a sitter off Markram at 53, allowing the South African to bloom into a match-winning centurion.
Finally, sloppy ground fielding amplified the errors. Misfields from Arshdeep Singh, Washington Sundar, and Jaiswal, coupled with three or four overthrows, gifted crucial extras that eased the Proteas’ path.
India’s loss stings, especially after centuries by Ruturaj Gaikwad and Virat Kohli.
As the series hangs in balance, K L
Rahul’s men must regroup fast — dew waits for no one, but dropped chances haunt forever.