3 reasons why India has a better chance of winning the ODI series

After losing the test series, the Indians are ready to give a befitting reply in the One Day Internationals. This Indian team looks great and balanced in all departments. But defeating the Proteas in their own backyard is never easy.

Having won the first two ODIs at Durban and Centurion, India will look to sustain the momentum and clinch the six-match ODI series. Let us now look at the reasons why India might win this series against South Africa and create history.

#1 Brilliant display of batting

Kohli and Rahane- A winning combination

At the Kingsmead, India chased down the target of 270 runs quite comfortably thanks to the 189 run partnership between Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane. They anchored the chase well, with Virat registering his 33rd ODI ton, a 112(119) and Rahane scoring a sublime 79(86).

Rahane's free-flowing shots ensured that he was very comfortable in the number 4 slot. If he continues to perform well in that slot, he might very well cement his place in the team.

In walked the former skipper, MS Dhoni with eight runs needed. He finished the game in his own style, with a blistering boundary and secured India’s win. Earlier, Faf du Plessis scored a brilliant 120(112) and took South Africa to a challenging total of 269 runs.

At the Supersport Park, the Proteas were bowled out for just 118 in 32.2 overs. In return, India chased down the target in just 20.3 overs losing just one wicket. Opener Shikhar Dhawan registered an excellent half-century scoring 51*(56). Skipper Virat Kohli too chipped in with a 46*(50) and ensured India's victory.

#2 Injuries to key South African players

Faf du Plessis- injured

The absence of AB de Villiers in the first ODI kept the Proteas 30-40 runs short. His injury is a big blow to them, as he is expected to be available only for the latter half of the series. They dealt with another blow after their Captain, Faf du Plessis was ruled out of the remainder of the series with a finger injury.

He was India’s chief tormentor in the first ODI at Durban. With two key batsmen injured, their batting was very poor in Centurion as they were bowled out for just 118. The other batsmen will be under pressure to deliver in the remaining matches. Should India seize this opportunity well, they might seal the series with ease.

#3 The excellent duo

The spin duoThe spin duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav restricted the Proteas well within the expected score of 300 at Durban, as they took five wickets between them. This set India a modest target of 270 in 50 overs, which they chased with ease and took a 1-0 lead.

In the second ODI at Centurion, the duo rattled the Proteas line-up with their spin. Chahal finished with the figures of 5/22 and Kuldeep Yadav finished with the figures of 3/20, as South Africa were bowled out for just 118. This was their lowest ever ODI total at home. India cruised to a comfortable nine-wicket win. If the spin duo of Chahal and Yadav continue to perform well, then the trophy should be making its way to India.