India vs South Africa 2015 2nd ODI: Player Ratings

South Africa

Hashim Amla – 5

Amla who is generally regarded as a run-machine in ODIs started the chase on an aggressive note. He played the new-ball duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Umesh Yadav with relative ease. When Dhoni brought in spin to counter him, Amla tried to dance down the track once too often and eventually perished to Axar Patel.

Quinton De Kock – 6.5

After snatching a series of spectacular catches, De Kock began South Africa’s reply with intent and aggression. He was severe against both pace and spin. However his progress was halted when he tried to dispatch a flighted delivery from Harbhajan and instead found long-off.

Faf Du Plessis – 6.5

Despite being hampered by a slight injury, Du Plessis was the only batsmen in the South African line-up to post a significant score and resist the Indian bowling attack. His wicket was the turning point in the match for the home team.

AB De Villiers – 5

Coming on the back of a stellar century in Kanpur, AB De Villiers could not guide his team to victory this time. When he was looking threatening, he was sent back to the dressing room after failing to connect a drive properly off a full-length ball from Mohit Sharma.

JP Duminy – 6

In the 1st innings, his loopy off-spin was taken apart by MS Dhoni and Harbhajan. With the bat, he forged a partnership with Du Plessis and looked set to take the visitors home. But, he was trapped in front by Axar Patel which was a significant moment in the contest.

David Miller – 2.5

Amidst a poor run of form, Miller’s batting deteriorated further as he fell to a first-ball duck off the bowling of Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Farhaan Behardien – 5

He was required to bowl only over in the Indian innings. During South Africa’s chase, Behardien stitched together a patchy innings and was beginning to gather momentum. However, he was unfortunately given out due to a wrong decision by Vineet Kulkarni who has had a major impact in the series.

Dale Steyn – 7.5

The premier test bowler in the world showed his class on a surface which suited his skiddy pace. Despite being initially hit around by Rahane, he bounced back in his final spell by picking up crucial wickets towards the end.

Morne Morkel – 7.5

Earlier spotted honing his skills under the supervision of former South African seamer Shaun Pollock, Morkel nipped Shikhar Dhawan with an alarming change of pace. His steep bounce constantly troubled the Indian batsmen. After being summoned by his captain to attack Suresh Raina, he responded by snaring the southpaw with a lifter around the batsman’s body.

Kagiso Rabada – 7

The young speedster impressed the onlookers with a steady display of pace bowling. Employing a shortish length, his impeccable line restricted the Indian batsmen from scoring. He breached Rohit Sharma’s defence with a rapid in-swinger. His final over to a set and firing MS Dhoni was astounding as he controlled the Indian captain’s menace to a certain extent.

Imran Tahir – 7.5

A fierce competitor, Tahir sustained the pressure by stemming the flow of runs with an admirable spell in the middle overs. Gradually becoming South Africa’s trump-card in the limited overs format, Tahir opened the floodgates by accounting for Rahane by viciously foxing him around his legs.