In the second One-Day International (ODI) at St George’s Park on Tuesday, South Africa defeated India by eight wickets, with opener Tony de Zorzi recording his first century in an international match.
With starter De Zorzi (119 not out off 122 balls), playing in his fourth ODI encounter, and opener Reeza Hendricks (52) putting up a solid 130-run stand in 27.5 overs, the host team easily achieved a 212-run target.
With 42.3 overs remaining, South Africa completed the chase, tying the three-match series at 1-1.
Sai Sudharsan and KL Rahul had earlier scored half-centuries, but India was bowled out for 211.
In his third international encounter, less than a week after making his debut, left-arm fast bowler Nandre Burger claimed three for thirty.
After losing badly by eight wickets in the opening game in Johannesburg on Sunday, South Africa looked to capitalize on the unusually well-grassed St George’s Park pitch by sending India in to bat first.
The 28-year-old, powerfully built Burger made his first-ball breakthrough when he trapped Ruturaj Gaikwad leg before wicket for four.
He produced steady speed and the occasional steep hop. He timed his fastest delivery at 147 km/h.
However, in a sensible third-wicket stand of 68, opening batsman Sudharsan (62) and skipper Rahul (56), batted with the score at 114 when Sudharsan was caught behind off a powerfully lifted ball by Lizaad Williams.
With South Africa applying continual pressure, no other batter could score more than 20.
The tall Sudharsan, 22, had an outstanding second innings after making his debut in Johannesburg with an undefeated fifty-five, smashing seven fours and a six off of 83 balls.