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India were made to wait to take a 2-0 lead in the series after lunch was called with just two runs needed for victory. Earlier in the day, South Africa were bowled out for just 118 in 32.2 overs on the back of career-best ODI figures for Yuzvendra Chahal. Chasing 119 for victory, India got there with nine wickets and 177 balls to spare courtesy of a fifty from Shikhar Dhawan and an unbeaten 46 from Virat Kohli.
After winning the toss, Kohli elected to field. A sedate start was followed by a flurry of wickets as soon the spinners came on to bowl. Chahal kicked things off by dismissing Quinton de Kock and once Kuldeep Yadav dismissed Aiden Markram and David Miller in the space of five balls, the hosts faced an uphill battle. Four Proteas scored twenties but they were bundled out for just 118.
Chasing 119, Rohit Sharma fell early but an unbeaten 93-run second-wicket partnership between Dhawan and Kohli helped India get home with nine wickets to spare. However, they were made to wait for their win as lunch was taken with just two runs needed after the extra 15 minutes were exhausted.
Virat Kohli
"We thought at the toss, the ball is going to do a bit in the morning. Was a much harder wicket than Durban. Bhuvi and Bumrah started really well. We didn't let SA get too much up front. Spinners were outstanding again. To win like this obviously feels very good. What we thought in the morning, we did all those things right.
"We knew that we won't get grass on the pitch. When it's seaming it's anyone's game anyway. We have the quicks to back that. We knew the wickets were going to be hard and dry. Those two (wrist-spinners) are a handy bunch together. If we set up to chase down totals, we know exactly what we want to do. Rohit and Shikhar's intent at the top is crucial. They started off well in the last game too. We back guys to play positive cricket. Small totals, it's always important to start positive. It's a wonderful position to be in. We know their middle-order is inexperienced, and we look to cash in on that. The way our spinners are bowling, we are confident about continuing the same momentum."
Yuzvendra Chahal
"Enjoying bowling here. We used to play in such conditions in India. It's about how mentally tough you are when you go overseas. When I first struck, Kuldeep came in and took two wickets. It puts pressure on the batsmen."
Aiden Markram
"Not the best performance. Today we'll have to be honest with ourselves. Got a couple of days to turn it around in Cape Town. Not ideal. Couple of soft options starting with myself. Have to lead from the front. Have to remain positive now. Started off with good intensity with the ball. We'll come hard in Cape Town. Can't afford slip-ups now. Might bring out the best from us now."
Here are the reactions from the cricket fraternity:
Plenty was said about the decision to take lunch when only two runs were needed.
Suresh Raina:
Virender Sehwag:
Harbhajan Singh
VVS Laxman:
Ravichandran Ashwin:
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