The second One Day International between India and South Africa is scheduled for Wednesday (December 3) at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur. After securing a victory in Ranchi, the Indian team is aiming to clinch the series.
Led by KL Rahul, the team is in high spirits following Virat Kohli’s impactful innings of 135 and Rohit Sharma’s consistent 57, which guided India to a total of 349 in the first match.
The pitch in Raipur is predicted to provide assistance to seam bowlers initially, followed by spinners later in the game. India is expected to depend on the promising all-rounder Harshit Rana and the wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav. Their crucial breakthroughs were instrumental in securing the victory in the initial match. Rahul’s versatility at the No. 6 position provides India with added adaptability and strength.
On the other hand, South Africa is determined to make a strong recovery after falling short by only 17 runs in Ranchi. Their bowling attack, which includes Marco Jansen and Ottniel Baartman, must make early breakthroughs to challenge India’s top order, while the middle order, led by Matthew Breetzke, will need to show greater resilience during the chase.
Raipur Pitch Conditions
The pitch at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur for the second ODI between India and South Africa is anticipated to present a balanced battle between batsmen and bowlers. The initial freshness of the grass and the firmness of the pitch are likely to benefit the seam bowlers, enabling swing and seam movement in the starting overs. As the game unfolds, the pitch is expected to stabilize, making it easier for batsmen to play their shots and construct significant innings. Spin bowlers may also find some assistance in the middle overs as the pitch starts to wear.
Despite the venue having hosted only one ODI previously, analysis of scoring patterns and wicket distribution from the prior match suggests that the captain who wins the toss might prefer to chase.
Overall, a competitive game is expected, in which disciplined bowling and well-calculated aggressive batting will prove essential. The conditions are likely to favor pace bowlers at the beginning before progressively becoming more conducive to batting as the innings advances.
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Statistical Overview and Records at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium for ODIs
- Total number of matches: 1
- Matches won by teams batting first: 0
- Matches won by teams bowling first: 1
- Average score in the 1st innings: 108
- Average score in the 2nd innings: 111
- Highest total ever recorded: 111/2 (20.1 Overs) by India against New Zealand
- Lowest total ever recorded: 108/10 (34.3 Overs) by New Zealand against India
- Best bowling figures: 3/18 (Mohammed Shami)
- Highest score by an individual: 51 (Rohit Sharma)
Also READ: “I would be dishonest if…” – KL Rahul’s thoughts on India’s tense victory against South Africa in Ranchi ODI
