Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan shared his thoughts on the turning point of the second ODI between India and South Africa in Raipur. After the visitors secured a four-wicket win to level the three-match series, Pathan believed that South Africa’s tight bowling between overs 39 and 49 prevented India from reaching a total near 370.
At the start of the 36th over, India’s run-rate was 7.28, with the team at 255/2, giving set batters Ruturaj Gaikwad and Virat Kohli a strong platform to accelerate. However, both Kohli and Gaikwad were dismissed in quick succession for 102 and 105, respectively. KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 66, contributing 18 runs off the final over, but India managed only 74 runs in the last 11 overs.
In a recent video on his YouTube channel ‘Irfan Pathan,’ he praised Lungi Ngidi for bouncing back after an expensive start, while also noting that Ravindra Jadeja’s quick 27-ball 24 could have been a decisive factor in the match.
“Aiden Markram batted exceptionally well, as did Temba Bavuma, Matthew Breetzke and Dewald Brevis. The bowling also deserves praise due to the way they pulled India back. The score of 358 could have even been 370 but the way they bowled from overs 39 to 49 – they gave only 55 runs – they pulled things back well.”
“The way Lungi Ngidi started and he finished, it was a big difference. KL Rahul made 18 runs in the final over and his innings was magnificent. But it was crucial how South Africa pulled things back. That made the difference. We spoke in the commentary that the way Ravindra Jadeja batted, India could be in trouble,” Pathan said.
Irfan Pathan Highlights Markram’s Perfect Strategy As Opener Against India
The 41-year-old lauded Aiden Markram’s strategy against both spin and pace, describing it as an ideal approach given the conditions. Pathan explained further:
“Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh impressed with the new ball. But South Africa’s plan was not to lose more than one wicket with the new ball. Markram played carefully and his approach was clear against the pacers. Markram’s previous three tons had come at the middle order and it was his first as an opener. When the ball came at off-stump, he was standing on the leg stump and tried making room.”
“He stood back to utilize the bounce and used the cut quite well. He struck a four straight down the ground against Washington Sundar and played one off the back foot against Kuldeep Yadav. Even against finger spinners, he played straight. Markram had a plan to play square against pacers and straight against spinners.”
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.