SA vs IND | 2nd ODI: South Africa take unassailable 2-0 lead with comprehensive win

South Africa took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series against India in Paarl on Friday after beating them by 7 wickets. 

Chasing a target of 288, the Proteas were off to a flying start with Quinton de Kock and Janneman Malan putting up a 132-run stand for the first wicket. While De Kock played in an aggressive manner, Malan took his time to get his eye in. 

The wicket-keeper batsman was eventually dismissed for 78 off 66 after he was trapped in front of the stumps by Shardul Thakur. 

Malan was then joined by captain Temba Bavuma and the two batters stitched a partnership of 80 runs for the second wicket. The partnership was broken by Jasprit Bumrah after he got rid of Malan who missed out on a hundred by just 9 runs. 

Captain Bavuma followed him soon after he was sent packing for 35 off 36 by Chahal. But Bavuma's dismissal didn't impact South Africa's scoring rate as Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen made sure that there was no further fall of wickets. The two batsmen took the team over the line. 

Markram scored 37* off 41 balls while Rassie van der Dussen struck an unbeaten 37 off 38 deliveries during the course. 

Earlier, in the day, India stand-in captain KL Rahul won the toss and decided to bat first. Rahul along with Shikhar Dhawan started off in a steady manner and compiled 63 runs for the first wicket. But Dhawan's departure for 29 was followed by Kohli's wicket. The former skipper was out for a five-ball zero leaving India in a spot of bother at 64/2. 

KL was then joined by wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant and the right-left batting duo then steadied the ship for the visitors with a partnership of 115 runs. 

While Rahul scored 55, Pant notched up a 71-ball 85. But India were once again pushed on the back foot with three wickets at regular intervals including the dismissals of KL and Pant. 

It was later Shardul Thakur who resisted well and chipped in with an unbeaten 40 off 38 to help India put 287/6 in 50 overs on the board. 

KL Rahul lauded South Africa for their efforts. "I think they are playing some really good cricket at home, we are making mistakes as well in the middle. It's a good learning for us. We are a team that takes a lot of pride in winning, but good learning for us and hopefully we can grow. We are trying to get better at things we haven't done well in the past," he said after the match. 

The two sides will now lock horns in the final ODI on Sunday (January 23, 2022) in Cape Town.