Can the Proteas keep this segment of the series alive when they meet India in the fifth ODI in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday?
The Proteas’ impressive record in the Pink ODI format stayed strong as they triumphed over India in a rain-affected game at the Wanderers, keeping their hopes alive for the series.
Both teams are set to face off again on Tuesday at St George’s Park, poised to host its first international match this year. Will young captain Aiden Markram and the Proteas push the series to a thrilling decider at Centurion, or will India dominate on spin-friendly wickets and clinch the series early?
South Africa vs India | Tuesday 13 February | St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth | 13:30
Match Winner Odds
South Africa 1/1
Tie 35/1
India 82/100
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South Africa
The Proteas will be eager to capitalise on their momentum following a solid five-wicket victory at the Wanderers. However, to continue their charge, dismissing Indian openers Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan early remains a crucial challenge.
Dhawan and Kohli have pummelled the South African bowlers throughout the ODI series so far. Yet, South Africa have identified a weakness in India’s middle and lower order, holding them to just 92 runs from the last 16 overs in their last outing. Aside from the evergreen MS Dhoni, India’s lower order struggled to maintain the momentum.
Batting-wise, South Africa needs more consistency from their openers Aiden Markram and Hashim Amla, who have had shaky starts in this series. The middle order stepped up admirably last game, with Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller launching attacks on the Indian bowlers, sealing a crucial win supported by Andile Phehlukwayo’s blistering late innings.
Going on the offensive against India’s wrist-spinners rather than merely surviving could be the smartest play, though it carries risk. Any hesitation or slow scoring in the early overs could allow India to dominate, potentially costing South Africa the series.
India
India would surely be gutted not to have secured a win at the Wanderers, with Dhawan and Kohli’s partnership at times promising a massive 350+ total. Unfortunately for them, rain curtailed their innings, stalling their momentum.
Vice-captain Rohit Sharma’s form has been a worrying concern, having endured a poor series across both Tests and ODIs. His fitness and inclusion for the match at St George’s Park remain uncertain, which might affect the team’s balance.
India’s track record at St George’s Park does not inspire confidence; they have never scored over 200 at this ground. It also saw one of India’s worst ODI defeats against Kenya in a previous tri-series, despite featuring legends like Ganguly, Tendulkar, and Dravid.
Kedar Jadhav’s injury keeps him doubtful for Tuesday’s match. The all-rounder’s bowling ability will be missed, especially if South Africa targets the Indian wrist-spinners aggressively.
Verdict: India 82/100
South Africa’s narrow fourth ODI triumph was helped by a few strokes of luck—David Miller’s reprieve, rain interruptions, and dropped catches hindered India’s chances. However, backing India to take the series 4-1 in Port Elizabeth and secure a historic ODI series win on South African soil looks the smart bet.
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