Paarl (South Africa): Rahul Dravid couldn’t have dreamt of a more nightmarish maiden overseas assignment as Team India coach.
Following the 1-2 Test series defeat even after clinching the first match against South Africa, the visitors were no match in the ODIs, too, as the Proteas took an unbeatable 2-0 lead on Friday.
Virat Kohli, no longer captain in any of the three formats, registered a rare duck but India still posted a competitive 287 for 6. Skipper KL Rahul made 55, but it was Rishabh Pant’s 85 off 71 balls and Shardul Thakur’s unbeaten 40 that guided India close to the 300-mark.
South Africa chased down the big target quite comfortably, with nearly 2 overs to spare.
Janneman Malan (91) and Quinton de Kock (78) set the platform with a run-a-ball opening stand. Skipper Temba Bavuma (35), Aiden Markram (37 not out) and Rassie van der Dussen (37 not out) maintained the momentum to thwart Indian hopes of a comeback.
Except for Jasprit Bumrah and leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, the other Indian bowlers failed to rein in the South African batsmen.
In the first game of the series, India had failed to chase down the 297-run target set by the home team, and lost by 31 runs.
Scores: India 287/6 in 50 overs. South Africa 288/3 in 48.1 overs.
Result: South Africa won by 7 wickets.
