SA Vs IND, 2018: Five Talking Points – Port Elizabeth, 5th ODI

Before shedding the light on the other talking points, India registered a glory. Visitors registered the emphatic series win against the Proteas in South Africa. The visitors have now taken an unassailable lead of 4-1 in the six-match One-day International series with one to be held at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Friday.

In the fifth ODI at Port Elizabeth, Indian bowlers shone – to rattle the Proteas batting line-up on 201 in 42.2 overs. It resulted in Virat Kohli-led Men in Blue won the match by 73 runs.

Earlier, after winning the toss, South African skipper Aiden Markram decided to bowl first. India had a solid start which saw the Men in Blue post 48 on board in 7.2 overs.

For the second-wicket, skipper Virat Kohli alongside Rohit Sharma registered 105-run for the second wicket.

At one stage India was going stronger, at 236 for three in 42.1 overs, before South African bowler made a remarkable return.

The Proteas bagged three wickets in the space of 14 balls after India was going stronger.

India was restricted to 274 for seven in 50 allotted overs.

Here are the five talking points of the fifth ODI held in Port Elizabeth:

• Kuldeep Yadav and Hardik Pandya shone

As leg-spinner finishes it off in style to complete the first series after 25 years with the wicket of Morne Morkel, Kuldeep Yadav ruled the roost.

The wrist spinner Yadav bowled 10 overs in which he conceded 57 runs. He also picked the wicket of wicketkeeper-batsman Heinrich Klaasen.

On the other side, Hardik Pandya has been lambasted over the social media platform Twitter, silenced his critics with his spectacular bowling performance.

The medium pacer in Pandya bagged the prized scalp of AB de Villiers and Jean-Paul Duminy, before affecting the run-out dismissal of dangerous Hashim Amla (71 off 92) which has become the major talking point of the day.

• Tabraiz Shamsi drops Rohit Sharma on 96

The right-handed batsman Rohit Sharma looked bleak with the bat in the ongoing One-day International series. But it was different day altogether for him.

Interestingly, when Rohit was batting on 96, he goes on his toes guiding the ball straight in the third man region. Rohit was dropped by Tabraiz Shamsi when he came right under the ball and the ball plops out.

At one stage, Rohit had a heart in his mouth when head coach Ravi Shastri’s head hung in despair. However, Kohli appeared to be praising the uppercut from the dressing room.

• Virat Kohli run out after mix-up

Virat Kohli survived a stumping decision when third umpire Aleem Dar declared him not out.

However, in the 26th over, Rohit Sharma was involved in a massive run out when he sent Kohli back after reaching half-of-the-pitch.

Rohit faced the length ball of Morne Morkel for a gentle push. He took a step forward before realizing of not making it to the non-striker’s end.

Moreover, the fielder in JP Duminy at point region picks the ball that eventually saw the under-arm throw dislodging the bails.

Kohli was dismissed on 36 off 54 balls. He collected two boundaries.

• Rohit Sharma’s first hundred in South Africa

On the penultimate delivery of 36th over sent down by Tabraiz Shamsi, Rohit Sharma registered his first hundred on the South African soil.

The right-handed batsman Rohit played towards the backward square leg to scamper for two runs. He went on to register the much-needed triple-figure mark.

Moreover, the innings has witnessed a cautious start, before registering his hundred in 108 balls.

Rohit after registering his 17th ODI hundred was dismissed by Lungi Ngidi. He was caught by Heinrich Klaasen after scoring 115 off 126 balls. His innings was comprised of 11 boundaries and four sixes.

• Ajinkya was amused at his run out:

Second, on the day, Ajinkya Rahane returned to the pavilion after facing 18 balls for his eight.

The incident happened on the penultimate of the 32 over when he nudged the ball towards mid on region.

However, Rohit Sharma was ball watching after Rahane made a loud shout for the run.

Rahane, who almost completed the run was returned back by Rohit and was found well short of his crease when gloveman Klassen whipped off the bails.

Interestingly, it was Morne Morkel who was stationed at the mid on. He returned the throw on a bounce.