Young opener Tony de Zorzi’s outstanding 119 not out from 122 balls in the second ODI at St George’s Park guided South Africa to an impressive eight-wicket victory over India, levelling the series at 1-1.
South Africa won the toss, elected to field, and limited India to 211 all out in 46.2 overs on a challenging wicket. They comfortably chased down the target with 45 deliveries to spare, setting up a series decider in Paarl.
After being put to bat first, India faced an early setback with Ruturaj Gaikwad departing for 4 in the first over bowled by Nandre Burger. Tilak Varma stepped in but was soon dismissed by Burger for 10. Sudharsan, however, showed resilience, reaching his fifty in the 20th over, supported by captain KL Rahul.
Despite Sudharsan’s promising innings of 62 off 83 balls and Rahul’s solid fifty, both fell victim to the Proteas’ bowlers. Burger claimed his third wicket by dismissing Rahul. With contributions from Avesh Khan and Arshdeep Singh, India managed to reach a total of 211 runs before being bowled out in 46.2 overs.
In response, South African openers Reeza Hendricks and Tony de Zorzi began steadily, reaching 39/0 by the end of the powerplay. Zorzi achieved his maiden ODI fifty in 55 balls, followed by Hendricks’ seventh ODI century in 71 balls.
The Proteas’ dominance continued as Zorzi smashed his maiden ODI hundred in 109 balls, with nine fours and four sixes. Despite Arshdeep Singh dismissing Hendricks for 52, the partnership between Zorzi and Rassie van der Dussen ensured South Africa’s victory.
They reached the 200-run mark in 39 overs and sealed the win with Zorzi remaining unbeaten at 119. Rassie fell for 36, but South Africa chased down the total in 42.3 overs.
Centurion Tony de Zorzi was adjudged ‘Player of the Match’.
Brief scores: India 211 all-out (46.2), South Africa 215-2 (42.3)
