South Africa vs India: ODI Records and Stats at St George’s Park, Gqeberha

Superb bowling efforts from Arshdeep Singh 5/37 and Avesh Khan (4/27) were backed by composed fifties from debutant Sai Sudharsan and Shreyas Iyer helped India beat South Africa by eight wickets in the series opener played in Johannesburg. The action now shifts to St George’s Park in Gqeberha for the second ODI on Tuesday, December 19. 

Speaking about how the first game panned out, South Africa’s decision to bat first backfired in the first ODI against India, as their batting collapsed. Only Tony de Zorzi and Andile Phehlukwayo provided any semblance of resistance with scores of 28 and 33, respectively. Barring them, the rest of the Proteas were bundled out by the Indian bowlers’ brilliance. Arshdeep’s stunning five-wicket haul (5/37 in 10 overs) and Avesh Khan’s (4/27 in 8 overs ) were the highlights of the game as they shared nine wickets between them. As a result, the hosts got folded for a mere 116 runs.

Speaking of Team India’s run chase, opener Ruturaj Gaikwad fell early, but debutant Sai Sudharsan and Shreyas Iyer cruised to victory with an 88-run partnership laying the foundation for a comfortable win. Iyer notched up a fifty before being dismissed, but it was Sudharsan’s unbeaten 55 that sealed the eight-wicket win for India with 200 balls to spare. 

South Africa have enjoyed success in St George’s Park, winning 21 out of 35 ODIs, a winning percentage of 60.00%. Notably, in the ongoing series, the upcoming second ODI will be the sixth time that these two cricketing giants will clash at this venue. In their previous encounter, India emerged victorious by 73 runs in 2018. while South Africa emerged victorious in the remaining four matches. South Africa will aim to level the series at 1-1 when they face India in the upcoming ODI However, India will look to build on their momentum and secure a decisive series victory.

SA vs IND Head-to-Head Record 

The two cricketing giants have locked horns in 92 ODIs, with India claiming 39 victories, while South Africa boasts 50 wins. Three matches ended without a result. Notably, in South Africa, India’s overall record has not been that impressive. The ‘Men in Blue’ have managed to win 11 out of 38 matches, while the hosts have triumphed in 25, with two ending in a no result.  

St George’s Park  Pitch Report 

St George’s Park pitches offer a balanced feast for both pacers and spinners. Despite this variety, high-scoring ODIs are rare, with only three matches exceeding 250 runs in the last five ODIs. 

ODI records and stats at St George’s Park    

In 42 matches played at the venue, pace bowlers have claimed 419 wickets at an average of 29.98, while spinners have accounted for 121 wickets at an average of 38.59 in 42 matches. Chasing proved slightly more successful, with 21 wins compared to 20 for teams batting first.  

 X-factors for India vs South Africa      

India: 

Shreyas Iyer will be a crucial player for India in the upcoming ODI match. He’s been on fire in 2023, amassing 846 runs at an impressive average of 52.87 in ODIs. His consistency has been remarkable, with four half-centuries and three centuries. The momentum continues from the previous game where he smashed a confident fifty, laced with six fours and a six, respectively. Iyer will be eager to build on this momentum and translate it into another impactful performance in the upcoming encounter ahead. 

 South Africa: 

Aiden Markram could be the X-factor for South Africa in the upcoming ODI. He’s been in sizzling form in 2023, as he racked up 995 runs across 22 innings at a remarkable average of 52.36. His bat has spoken volumes about his good form, with three centuries and five half-centuries adorning his ODI form.

India vs South Africa Predicted Playing XI: 

India  

KL Rahul (c & wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Shreyas Iyer, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar 

 South Arica

Reeza Hendricks, Tony de Zorzi, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram (c), Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger, Tabraiz Shamsi