How many times does momentum shift in a game of cricket? How many times do we see series defining moments in a span of a few over? This is exactly what has been happening in each ODI between India and South Africa after the Durban encounter. In each game we have seen moments that have tilted the balance in favour of one team or the other.
This series has shown us that there is not much to choose between the two teams. South Africa won the first encounter of both the Test and ODI series and India came back stronger in the matches to follow. The most crucial moments in the series have been the Batting Power Plays. In the Johannesburg ODI, both teams lost momentum in the batting powerplays. India lost four wickets and South Africa misread the situation when they opted for it. Smith opted for the powerplay when they were cruising and needed just over two runs an over and from then on it just went downhill. The commentators on air said that they were surprised with Smith’s decision as in the powerplays singles aren’t in abundance but the batsmen have to take the initiative and clear the infield. This was the moment when India regained the advantage. In Cape Town, the debutant Francois Du Plessis and JP Duminy did well to resurrect the innings and take it to 200 for 4. Once again they lost a heap of wickets in the powerplay and ended up with only 221. With early wickets SA looked favorites but the over that Botha got a pasting from Pathan was when the shift in momentum took place. In the last game the Duminy-Botha partenship set the game for SA. The partnership was crucial as SA had pressed the panic button and sanity had to be restored. After this partnership India never really looked in the game.
As we see the series has been all about momentum shifts. In every game there has been one partnership or a bowling spell that has titled the advantage in favour of one team. With the series going down to the last game, it will be interesting to see which team can seize the initiative and grab a match altering opportunity. The worry in both camps would be the wickets falling in a heap. With the exception of Kohli, none of the Indian batsmen were able to build an innings. Meanwhile, South Africa will be wary of their running between the wickets. There were needless run outs in the previous game and it could have cost them the game had Botha and Duminy not strung together a partnership. The bowling has been good from both teams. The spinners and the pacers have stepped up whenever required. It will be interesting to see whether any of the teams are ready to take a gamble with their spinning option going into the last game, whether SA will bring in Imran Tahir and India will bring in Ashwin. In all probability they will go in with the same line ups.
A major concern for India would be the form of their captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Apart from his fighting 90 odd in the Centurion test, he hasn’t really been among the runs. Having been a finisher in the batting line-up it is really crucial that he regains his form prior to the world cup. Yuvraj Singh has got starts but hasn’t converted them. We shouldn’t worry about his form as he has looked in touch but just needs to carry on. Going into the last game, I am very interested to see Zaheer taking on Smith. This battle has its history and it may be the last time we may be seeing it on South African soil.
It is very difficult to pick a winner for the last game. As I said earlier, it all depends on the team seizing the crucial moment. A great decider awaits us, weather permitting. Fingers crossed!!!!
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