A confident, enterprising Virat Kohli is ably supported by Ajinkya Rahane, in a smooth partnership (unbeaten, 100 runs) that has seen India tide over a tough start in the fourth ODI in Chennai. The two batsmen have swapped their positions, with Kohli arriving at No. 3, who has maneuvered the bowling well to reach another fifty. Rahane, the more understated of the two, has dabbed and guided deliveries safely, but there has been his graceful drive to watch. After 25 overs, India are at a promising 135 for 2.
For much of the first 15 overs, South Africa have disallowed any width outside off stump. Rohit displayed his sparkling touch with a flick and a few hook shots for fours, all typically nonchalantly carried off. But the short ball also proved to bring about his downfall, as he provided a catch to short midwicket off a casual flick off fast bowler Chris Morris, in the sixth over.
His opening partner, Shikhar Dhawan,looked scratchy in his short stay at the crease, and the lack of any room outside off seemed to hinder him. He eventually departed off a pull shot – for 7 off 15 balls - that was more than sporadically used by the pacemen in the initial overs.
Earlier, skipper MS Dhoni won the toss and decided to bat on a hot afternoon at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Winning the toss, Dhoni said: “The pitch is likely to slow down later, lots depends on dew though it comes in very late. Batting first is something we are good at, though we chase well too. We don't want to repeat the mistakes we have done, we have played good cricket, but we have not finished games.”
South African skipper AB de Villiers, who also liked to bat first, said it would be disappointing if they don’t win today. “We have two changes as Morkel and Duminy are injured, so Aaron Phangiso and Chris Morris come in. Two frontline bowlers coming in for us in the team. Don't think a lot of people expected us leading after the three matches,” he said.
The team batting first has won all the games so far in this series. We will have to wait and watch if the pattern continues.
Teams :-
India: RG Sharma, S Dhawan, V Kohli, MS Dhoni, S Raina, A Rahane, A Patel, B Kumar, H Singh, M Sharma, A Mishra.
South Africa: Q de Kock, D Miller, H Amla, F du Plessis, AB de Villiers, F Behardien, C Morris, D Steyn, K Rabada, I Tahir, A Phangiso.
India are unchanged. And, South Africa has Chris Morris and Aaron Phangiso coming in for the injured Morne Morkel and JP Duminy.
And, catch all the live action >here .
Comments
SHARE