NAGPUR – India loses a thriller against South Africa. A nail biter as expected from the big teams.
Chasing a target of 297 South Africa never lost their grip on the match and proceeded along in stipulated strategy. South Africa couldn’t enjoy a very good opening stand but Hasim Amla (61) played an anchor role along with Graeme Smith (16), Jacques Kallis (69) and AB de Villiers (52).
On the later stages of the innings Jean-paul Duminy (23), Faf du Plessis (25*), Johan Botha (23) and Robin Pertersen (18*) played quite effective knocks to led South Africa through a morale booster win, a much-needed one after loss to England.
Earlier, India won the toss and elected to bat and had a rocking start with a huge opening stand of 142 between Sachin Tendulkar (111) and Virender Sehwag (73). After Sehwag got himself out off du Plessis; Gautam Gambhir (69) joined little master. He was a little bit nervous in the start but gained his confidence in the process and played beautifully to take the score to 267. Tendulkar completed his second world cup century in the process but after that got out trying to increase the run rate.
The real collapse started for India and they kept on losing quick wickets and fell on just 296. Last eight wickets fell for adding just 29 runs in 9 overs. Dale Steyn, who had a nightmarish time earlier in the innings when Tendulkar and Sehwag smashed him all over the park, took five quick wickets to wrap Indian inning under 300-mark.
Dale Steyn named man of the match for his match winning spell of bowling. This is the first loss of India in the tournament; but they are still leading the table with 7 points after playing 5 matches. South Africa climbed up a position and stands on third position followed by England, Bangladesh and Ireland. West Indies is on the second spot on the table.
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