- Bangladesh in New Zealand, 3 ODI Series, 2019 NZ Vs BAN Live Now
- ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Region Qualifier, 2019 KWTW Vs UAEW United Arab Emirates Women beat Kuwait Women by 86 runs
- ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Region Qualifier, 2019 CHNW Vs HKW China Women beat Hong Kong Women by 1 wicket
- ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Region Qualifier, 2019 MALW Vs NEPW Nepal Women beat Malaysia Women by 34 runs
- Quadrangular Series in Oman, 2019 OMA Vs SCO Scotland beat Oman by 7 wickets
- Quadrangular Series in Oman, 2019 IRE Vs NED Ireland beat Netherlands by 1 wicket
- Bangladesh in New Zealand, 3 ODI Series, 2019 NZ Vs BAN New Zealand beat Bangladesh by 8 wickets
- Sri Lanka in South Africa, 2 Test Series, 2019 SA Vs SL Sri Lanka beat South Africa by 1 wicket
- England in West Indies, 5 ODI Series, 2019 WI vs ENG - Feb 20th, 2019, 08:30 PM IST
- Sri Lanka in South Africa, 2 Test Series, 2019 SA vs SL - Feb 21st, 2019, 01:30 PM IST
- Afghanistan and Ireland in India, 3 T20I Series, 2019 AFG vs IRE - Feb 21st, 2019, 06:30 PM IST
- ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Region Qualifier, 2019 MALW vs UAEW - Feb 21st, 2019, 08:30 AM IST
- ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Region Qualifier, 2019 THAW vs NEPW - Feb 21st, 2019, 08:30 AM IST
- ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Region Qualifier, 2019 CHNW vs KWTW - Feb 21st, 2019, 12:30 PM IST
Top Stories
-
'Enough is enough': Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev demands ordinance to scrap Article 370 in wake of Pulwama attack
-
BJP announces alliance with AIADMK, PMK in Tamil Nadu; saffron party set to contest for five LS seats
-
Imran Khan's Pulwama grandstanding shows Pakistan buoyed by Saudi prince’s endorsement of its line on terror
-
National Championships: Decoding Saina Nehwal's continued dominance over PV Sindhu
-
Oscars 2019: Academy Awards can't claim to be prestigious or global if its preoccupation is American relevance
-
16 US states sue Donald Trump for declaring national emergency to fund border wall, claim move violates Constitution
-
Govt relaxes angel tax norms for startups, increases investment limit to Rs 25 crore for availing income tax concessions
-
Her hope and mine: The story of an acid attack survivor, in her caretaker's words
-
Water dangers loom for South Asia: Report suggests countries have to start cooperating, or pay a huge price
-
केंद्रीय कर्मचारियों को सरकार ने दिया तोहफा, 3 प्रतिशत बढ़ा महंगाई भत्ता
-
मसूद अजहर को वैश्विक आतंकी घोषित करने के लिए फ्रांस UN में लाएगा प्रस्ताव
-
दूसरी बार लाया गया तीन तलाक अध्यादेश, कैबिनेट ने दी मंजूरी
-
इमरान खान ने किया पुलवामा हमले से इनकार तो भारत ने कहा- गुमराह करना बंद करो
-
प्रियंका की राजनीतिक पारी से यूपी में सियासी समीकरण बदले
Rank | Team | Points | Rating |
---|---|---|---|
1 | India | 5007 | 116 |
2 | South Africa | 4280 | 110 |
3 | New Zealand | 3213 | 107 |
4 | Australia | 4566 | 104 |
5 | England | 5490 | 104 |
6 | Sri Lanka | 4256 | 89 |
Rank | Team | Points | Rating |
---|---|---|---|
1 | England | 6918 | 126 |
2 | India | 8058 | 122 |
3 | New Zealand | 5788 | 111 |
4 | South Africa | 5545 | 111 |
5 | Pakistan | 4872 | 102 |
6 | Australia | 4290 | 100 |
Rank | Team | Points | Rating |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Pakistan | 5280 | 135 |
2 | India | 5590 | 124 |
3 | South Africa | 2960 | 118 |
4 | England | 2586 | 118 |
5 | Australia | 3266 | 117 |
6 | New Zealand | 3367 | 116 |
India in South Africa 6 ODI Series 2018 5th ODI Match Result India beat South Africa by 73 runs
1st Innings
2nd Innings
HIGHLIGHTS
Rohit Sharma is the Man of the Match.
Rohit Sharma: Long time coming. Had a good time in the middle. What was important was for me was to bat for as long as possible, and get the team to a good total. It's always a good feeling when you score a hundred and your teams wins. Gotta keep yourself in a good frame of mind and that's what I've been doing. I knew I don't have to change a lot and the runs will come. We were in a bit of bother (early on) and it was important for me to bat long. I'm glad we could put up the runs on the board and come out and defend it. It's been the hallmark of our team that once you get in, you make it count at the top 3.
OUT! It's all over for the Proteas, as Chahal gets Morkel trapped leg-before for the Indians to seal a 73-run win, and clinch the series 4-1! Morkel offered no defence on the occasion, and was trapped plumb leg-before! SA 201 all out
Morkel lbw Chahal 1(3)
OUT! Shamsi's out for a golden duck, as he mis-hits it towards long-on, where Pandya and Dhawan nearly end up colliding, and the former pulls off a superb one-handed catch! Four wickets for Kuldeep already, three of them coming this over! SA 197/9
Shamsi c Pandya b Kuldeep 0(1)
OUT! And that is virtually the final nail in the coffin for South Africa, as Klaasen gets stumped off Kuldeep's bowling to end all hopes for the hosts! Klaasen shuffled forward looking for a big hit, and failed to get any connection whatsoever. The pressure did him in on this occasion.SA 196/8
Klaasen st Dhoni b Kuldeep 39(42)
OUT! Rabada perishes while trying to slog it towards the on-side, instead holing it straight into the hands of Chahal at short midwicket! SA 196/7
Rabada c Chahal b Kuldeep 3(17)
BOWLED EM! Kuldeep finally gets a wicket for himself, foxing Phehlukwayo with a wrong 'un that beats his defence completely, finding the stumps in the end! It's a rapidly sinking ship for the Proteas now, unless Klaasen can conjure up a miracle now. SA 168/6
Phehlukwayo b Kuldeep 0(3)
OUT! Amla's pushing for a risky single, and is caught short of the non-striker's end by a whisker as Pandya gets his throw right from mid-off. South Africa lose their fifth wicket, and a huge one that too. SA 166/5
Amla run out 71(92)
FIFTY for Hashim Amla — his 35th in ODIs and first in the ongoing ODI series. Gets to the milestone with a double off the last ball of the 29th over. SA 134/4
OUT! Miller shuffles down the pitch looking to smash the ball down the ground, and doesn't quite get himself close to the pitch of the delivery as the ball beats his inside-edge and clips the leg-stump. Chahal got him bowled in the previous game as well, a front-foot no-ball gave the batsman a second lease of life. SA 127/4
Miller b Chahal 36(51)
FIFTY-PARTNERSHIP up between Miller and Amla for the fourth wicket, with the two bringing the Proteas right back in the chase. Miller brings up the milestone with a single at the start of the 25th over.
OUT! HUGE WICKET FOR INDIA! AB de Villiers looks for the drive, and gets a thick edge that carries to Dhoni behind the stumps! The game firmly in India's control now! SA 65/3
De Villiers c Dhoni b Pandya 6(7)
OUT! The Indians don't have to wait long for the second wicket, as Duminy edges straight into the hands of Rohit at slip. SA 55/2
Duminy c Rohit b Pandya 1(5)
OUT! Leading edge off Markram's bat, and this one lobs over to his Indian counterpart Kohli at mid-off as India get their first wicket! End of an attacking, run-a-ball innings from him. SA 52/1
Markram c Kohli b Bumrah 32(32)
FIFTY-STAND up between Markram and Amla for the first wicket, as they get South Africa to a positive start in their chase of the 275-run target! Markram collects a single off the penultimate delivery of the ninth over. SA 50/0
OUT! Terrific catch by Markram, running to his left from mid-off and diving forward to pull off a fantastic one! Dhoni tried collecting another boundary, and ended up chipping a slower ball from Ngidi on the occasion. IND 265/7
Dhoni c Markram b Ngidi 13(17)
OUT! The Indian innings is withering away after a strong start yet again, as Iyer gets a thick edge to the keeper while looking for a cut. IND 238/6
Iyer c Klaasen b Ngidi
OUT! That's two-in-two for Ngidi, and it is turning out to be a brilliant spell for the young pacer! Pandya walks back for a golden duck after nicking the ball to Klaasen while trying to run the ball towards fine-leg. IND 236/5
Pandya c Klaasen b Ngidi 0(1)
OUT! Rohit's cramped for room, and nicks the ball to Klaasen off the top part of his bat. No double-century for him today, although he will be happy to return to form with a century. IND 236/4
Rohit c Klaasen b Ngidi 115(126)
FOUR! Back-of-length and outside off, Iyer slashes this one away towards the backward point boundary! Brings up the 50-stand for the fourth wicket! IND 229/3
CENTURY FOR ROHIT SHARMA — his 17th in one-day internationals! And this will be a moment of relief and emotion for the Mumbai lad, who had come under severe criticism so far in the tour for failing to perform with the bat despite enjoying Kohli's backing! Takes 107 deliveries to get to the milestone, having smashed 10 fours and four sixes along the way. IND 203/3
OUT! Another run-out caused by Rohit, this time resulting in the dismissal of Rahane, as India lose their third wicket. IND 176/3
Rahane run out (Morkel) 8(18)
OUT! When nothing seemed to be working for the hosts, Rohit runs his partner Kohli out (something that the latter should be pretty much used to by now), bringing the 105-run second-wicket stand to an end. IND 153/2
Kohli run out (Duminy) 36(54)
SIX! What a way for Rohit to bring up the CENTURY-STAND with Kohli! India in firm control of the proceedings at the moment! It's now or never for the Proteas, before the match goes out of their control. IND 148/1
FIFTY for Rohit Sharma — his first of what has turned out to be a very difficult tour so far for him! His 35th in ODIs, as well as third against the Proteas. Gets there with a single at the start of the 19th over. IND 112/1
OUT! Dhawan perishes after a quick start, holing out to Phehlukwayo at deep square leg! IND 48/1
Dhawan c Phehlukwayo b Rabada 34(23)
"Given the wind from the coast, there is a lot of moisture, so the ball will nip around a bit. The ball did zip around quite a bit during the day-night Test. It will just skid on a bit. With bounce, there will be a little more carry on this surface. There's always turn here, there's always been. It's not the same St. George's as it was five-six years ago. The stats are in favour of the team putting the target together"
— Pitch report by Neil McKenzie and Mike Haysman.
IND XI: Rohit, Dhawan, Kohli (c), Rahane, Iyer, Dhoni (wk), Pandya, Bhuvneshwar, Kuldeep, Bumrah, Chahal
The visitors opt for an unchanged XI.
SA XI: Markram (c), Amla, Duminy, ABD, Miller, Klaasen (wk), Phehlukwayo, Shamsi, Rabada, Ngidi, Morkel
One forced change for the Proteas — Shamsi comes in place of injured all-rounder Morris.
TOSS: South Africa win the toss, and captain Aiden Markram elects to field first!
That's it from us in our coverage of the fifth one-dayer between South Africa and India at Port Elizabeth, with Virat Kohli and company pulling off a comprehensive 73-run win to clinch the series — their first on South African soil! Even though the final match, that takes place at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Friday, has been reduced to a dead rubber, trust the Indians to not lose out on their intensity as they will be gunning for a 5-1 result, one that will go a long way in establishing them as a leading side in the world.
But for now, it's time for me, Amit, to sign off. On behalf of my colleague Devdutt, as well as our contributor in South Africa Chetan Narula, I bid you all good night!
India have now 30 international matches in South Africa - the most among all Asian teams eclipsing Pakistan (29).
This is India's ninth consecutive bi-lateral ODI series win. They have not lost a bilateral ODI series since February, 2016.
The last time South Africa lost a bilateral ODI series of more than five matches at home was against Australia (5-1) in 2002.
Virat Kohli, Indian captain: Very pleased. I though the guys stuck in with the bat and the ball. We had confidence in ourselves as a group. Feels wonderful to create history and the guys worked hard for it. Feels wonderful to be 4-1 up. We've got to sit down and think of the points to improve on. Ultimately, every team has a vision for 2019 going forward. We want to win 5-1 for sure, that doesn't change at all. There might be a scenario for others to get a chance (though).
Rohit Sharma is the Man of the Match.
Rohit Sharma: Long time coming. Had a good time in the middle. What was important was for me was to bat for as long as possible, and get the team to a good total. It's always a good feeling when you score a hundred and your teams wins. Gotta keep yourself in a good frame of mind and that's what I've been doing. I knew I don't have to change a lot and the runs will come. We were in a bit of bother (early on) and it was important for me to bat long. I'm glad we could put up the runs on the board and come out and defend it. It's been the hallmark of our team that once you get in, you make it count at the top 3.
Aiden Markram, South African captain: Firstly credit goes to the Indian side. Unfortunately we lost wickets in clumps. We have to give them credit, they played incredibly well. We managed to restrict them to less than what we would've liked, and we would've needed a couple of partnerships and a cameo to get over the line. We're going to have to find a way to build partnerships. India have bowled well, but I still believe the more we play them, the better we get. Plenty to be gained (from the last ODI). Will look to end the series on a positive note.
Among the list of firsts for the Indian team, this also happens to be the first ODI series victory for the Indian team!
After 42.2 overs,South Africa 201/10 ( Lungi Ngidi 4 , )
Morkel pats the ball straight into the hands of Chahal off the first ball, with the latter putting the chance down. The leg-spinner however, doesn't have to wait long for the final wicket of the innings, as the lanky batsmen gets trapped leg-before the very next delivery, for the South African innings to come to an end. Was a complete collapse of sorts for the Proteas towards the end, as they lose their last four wickets for just five runs!
India, meanwhile, have clinched the series 4-1 with a 73-run win at Port Elizabeth — their first-ever win at the venue! And with that, they have sealed the No 1 spot in the ICC ODI rankings!
OUT! It's all over for the Proteas, as Chahal gets Morkel trapped leg-before for the Indians to seal a 73-run win, and clinch the series 4-1! Morkel offered no defence on the occasion, and was trapped plumb leg-before! SA 201 all out
Morkel lbw Chahal 1(3)
After 42 overs,South Africa 201/9 ( Morne Morkel 1 , Lungi Ngidi 4)
Kuldeep is brought back for his final over, and he gets a second wicket off the second delivery of the over, as Rabada holes out to Chahal at short midwicket. Morkel walks out to bat at No 9, and gets a single right away. Klaasen attempts a slog down the ground off the next delivery, misses, and gets stumped thanks to Dhoni's swift glovework. Shamsi, batting at No 9, doesn't last beyond a delivery as he mis-hits the ball towards long-on where Pandya nearly collides with Dhawan, whilst pulling off a superb one-handed catch. Ngidi walks out to bat, and smacks the ball down the ground to get off the mark with a boundary. Five runs and three wickets off the over, as Kuldeep signs off with figures of 4/57.
FOUR! Smacked down the ground by Ngidi, with the ball wide of the fielder at mid-on, getting the last man in off the mark. SA 201/9
OUT! Shamsi's out for a golden duck, as he mis-hits it towards long-on, where Pandya and Dhawan nearly end up colliding, and the former pulls off a superb one-handed catch! Four wickets for Kuldeep already, three of them coming this over! SA 197/9
Shamsi c Pandya b Kuldeep 0(1)
OUT! And that is virtually the final nail in the coffin for South Africa, as Klaasen gets stumped off Kuldeep's bowling to end all hopes for the hosts! Klaasen shuffled forward looking for a big hit, and failed to get any connection whatsoever. The pressure did him in on this occasion.SA 196/8
Klaasen st Dhoni b Kuldeep 39(42)
OUT! Rabada perishes while trying to slog it towards the on-side, instead holing it straight into the hands of Chahal at short midwicket! SA 196/7
Rabada c Chahal b Kuldeep 3(17)
Kuldeep Yadav brought back for his final over in the 42nd over, replacing Bumrah.
After 41 overs,South Africa 196/6 ( Heinrich Klaasen (W) 39 , Kagiso Rabada 3)
Klaasen guides the ball down the ground for a single, with Rabada following suit two balls later. Singles collected off the last two deliveries of the over, with four coming off it for the Proteas. Another 79 needed off the last nine overs with four wickets in hand.
Chahal brought back into the attack for the 41st, with another couple of overs left in his kitty.
After 40 overs,South Africa 192/6 ( Heinrich Klaasen (W) 37 , Kagiso Rabada 1)
Klaasen guides the ball towards the leg side off the first delivery, coming back for a second. Bit of a confusion between the batsmen with Klaasen trying to set off for a single after patting it towards short cover. Sets off for the other end off the next delivery, guiding it towards fine-leg. Three off the over.
Bumrah brought back into the attack in the 40th over, replacing Kuldeep. Bit of a delay, with the physio walking out to inspect Rabada, who was struck on his helmet off the last delivery of the previous over.
After 39 overs,South Africa 189/6 ( Heinrich Klaasen (W) 34 , Kagiso Rabada 1)
Pandya ducks to a short ball at the start of Pandya's ninth over, and sets off for a single three balls later. Klaasen decides to play it safe off the penultimate delivery, guiding the ball towards the leg side for a single next ball. Two off the over.
After 38 overs,South Africa 187/6 ( Heinrich Klaasen (W) 33 , Kagiso Rabada 0)
Klaasen shuffles down the pitch, and smacks the ball towards the wide long-off fence off a perfectly-executed inside-out shot. Heaves the ball towards the square-leg fence three balls later, before smashing the ball down the ground to collect his second six of the over. 16 off Kuldeep's ninth over!
SIX! This is turning out to be a serious assault, as Klaasen rocks on the backfoot, and lofts the ball straight down the ground for a six! SA 187/6
FOUR! Now Klaasen rocks back, and heaves the ball towards the square-leg fence for a four, beating Chahal in the deep. SA 181/6
SIX! Klaasen makes room for himself, and goes inside-out in his slog to deposit the ball into the stands beyond the wide long-off boundary. SA 177/6
After 37 overs,South Africa 171/6 ( Heinrich Klaasen (W) 17 , Kagiso Rabada 0)
Pandya returns to the attack, with the Indians sniffing a series win as well as the No 1 ODI rank as the South Africans go into their tail. Just three runs off this over, including a leg bye off the fourth delivery. All eyes on Klaasen now.
Pandya replaces Bhuvneshwar from the Duckpond End.
After 36 overs,South Africa 168/6 ( Heinrich Klaasen (W) 15 , Kagiso Rabada 0)
Klaasen collects a sinlge off the second delivery of the over, bringing Phehlukwayon on strike. The latter, however, lasts just three deliveries in the innings, as he gets foxed by a wrong 'un that beats his defence and crashes onto the stumps. Just a single and a wicket off this over.
BOWLED EM! Kuldeep finally gets a wicket for himself, foxing Phehlukwayo with a wrong 'un that beats his defence completely, finding the stumps in the end! It's a rapidly sinking ship for the Proteas now, unless Klaasen can conjure up a miracle now. SA 168/6
Phehlukwayo b Kuldeep 0(3)
Kuldeep Yadav brought back into the attack in the 36th over, after a single-over spell for Bumrah.
After 35 overs,South Africa 167/5 ( Heinrich Klaasen (W) 14 , Andile Phehlukwayo 0)
Klaasen brings Amla on strike with a single at the start of the over. Amla tries setting off for a quick single two balls later, but is a risky one as he taps it in the direction of Pandya, who gets his throw towards the non-striker's end spot on. Amla fails to get his bat past the crease, falling short marginally, and he has to depart for a well-constructed 71. Two singles and a run-out off the over.
OUT! Amla's pushing for a risky single, and is caught short of the non-striker's end by a whisker as Pandya gets his throw right from mid-off. South Africa lose their fifth wicket, and a huge one that too. SA 166/5
Amla run out 71(92)
After 34 overs,South Africa 165/4 ( Hashim Amla 71 , Heinrich Klaasen (W) 12)
Bumrah is back. He is bowling to Klaasen. Taps to point for a single. Amla scores a beautiful bounary and Bumrah ends the over with a dot. Five off the over.
FOUR! Wow. Glorious timing. Back of a length, outside off, Amla stands tall and punches it through cover.
After 33 overs,South Africa 160/4 ( Hashim Amla 67 , Heinrich Klaasen (W) 11)
Couple of singles collected at the start of the 33rd over, with Bhuvneshwar returning to the attack in place of Chahal. Amla ends the over with a solid drive between mid-off and extra-cover, collecting his fourth boundary. Time for the players to have a drink now.
FOUR! Welcome boundary for the Proteas, as Amla smacks the ball towards the wide long-off boundary off the last delivery of the 33rd over. SA 160/4
Bhuvneshwar Kumar returns to the attack from the Duckpond End, with Chahal getting a breather after an eight-over spell.
After 32 overs,South Africa 154/4 ( Hashim Amla 62 , Heinrich Klaasen (W) 10)
Klaasen brings Amla on strike with a single at the start of the over, with the latter helping himself to a couple of doubles off successive deliveries, guiding the ball towards the leg side on one occasion while hitting the ball down the ground on the other. Keeps the strike with a single off the last ball, with six coming off the over.
Kuldeep Yadav brought back into the attack in the 32nd over, replacing Pandya from the Park Drive End.
After 31 overs,South Africa 148/4 ( Hashim Amla 57 , Heinrich Klaasen (W) 9)
Klaasen collects his first boundary at the start of the 31st over, sweeping an overpitched delivery towrads the square-leg fence. Gets a top-edge that lands at a safe distance from the slip fielder. Amla chips the ball over the umpire's head, getting enough time to come back for a second run. Another double off the penultimate ball, with Amla slashing it towards deep cover point on this occasion. Good over for the Proteas, with nine coming off it.
FOUR! Overpitched along middle and leg from Chahal, and Klaasen has not problem sweeping this one towards the square-leg boundary. SA 143/4
After 30 overs,South Africa 139/4 ( Hashim Amla 53 , Heinrich Klaasen (W) 4)
Five runs collected off the 30th over, including a double off the third delivery in which Amla comes back for a risky second run. The Proteas need another 136 to win from the last 20 overs, with more than half their side left to bat.
After 29 overs,South Africa 134/4 ( Hashim Amla 50 , Heinrich Klaasen (W) 2)
Big appeal for lbw off the fourth delivery of the over, with umpire Shaun George turning it down. Kohli and Chahal walk towards the umpire to enquire about his decision, which invites criticism from on-air commentator Sunil Gavaskar. Replays show three reds, which perhaps might've been the reason behind the confident appeal. The Indians however, don't have any reviews left. Meanwhile, Amla collects two doubles off the last two deliveries to get to his 35th ODI half-century.
FIFTY for Hashim Amla — his 35th in ODIs and first in the ongoing ODI series. Gets to the milestone with a double off the last ball of the 29th over. SA 134/4
After 28 overs,South Africa 130/4 ( Hashim Amla 46 , Heinrich Klaasen (W) 2)
Two singles collected off the first three balls, with the second run taking Amla to 7,500 runs in ODI cricket. Amla, in the meantime, is one hit to the fence away from his 35th ODI fifty.
India vs South Africa, 5th ODI in Port Elizabeth, latest update: Morkel pats the ball straight into the hands of Chahal off the first ball, with the latter putting the chance down. The leg-spinner however, doesn't have to wait long for the final wicket of the innings, as the lanky batsmen gets trapped leg-before the very next delivery, for the South African innings to come to an end. Was a complete collapse of sorts for the Proteas towards the end, as they lose their last four wickets for just five runs!
India, meanwhile, have clinched the series 4-1 with a 73-run win at Port Elizabeth — their first-ever win at the venue! And with that, they have sealed the No 1 spot in the ICC ODI rankings!
Preview: Failing to maintain their triumphant run after a defeat in the fourth One-Day International (ODI), India will aim to clinch their maiden bilateral 50-overs series against the Proteas in South African conditions in the fifth encounter on Tuesday.
India started on the front foot clinching the first three matches by a comprehensive margins. South Africa, however, bolstered by their victory in the last tie will have an opportunity to end the six-match series on an even note.
File image of Indian captain Virat Kohli and opposition skipper Aiden Markram. AFP
The recent history which has seen India losing against the Proteas in the 50-over format at the South African conditions could change under the flamboyant captaincy of Virat Kohli.
In 2013-14, India were outclassed by South Africa 0-2 while in 2010-11 the visitors gave a tough fight but failed to get hold of the series, losing it by a slender 2-3 margin.
Kohli, with 393 runs in the ODI series so far, which contains two centuries and identical numbers of unbeaten knocks, has led India from the front to heap trouble on the already depleted hosts.
Alongside the skipper, opener Shikhar Dhawan has looked in fine nick throughout the series and will be the key to give India a dominant total on board in the encounter on Tuesday.
There is also a strong possibility of Kohli dropping opener Rohit Sharma, who has failed to get going in the series, scoring merely 40 runs in the four matches.
The skipper in that case, might fall in the trouble of selecting from plenty amongst Dinesh Karthik, Manish Pandey or Kedar Jadhav.
Equally well complimented bowling department, led by the wrist spinning pair of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, who have been difficult to be picked up by South Africa throughout the series, will continue to be the lethal weapons for India.
However, for South Africa wicket-keeper batsman Heinrich Klaasen, who played his first match of the series and assured them a comprehensive victory in the rain-curtailed encounter in Johannesburg, had looked to tackle the Indian wrist spinners well.
Batsmen Hashim Amla, Jean-Paul Duminy, AB de Villiers and David Miller, who can win their side a match single-handedly on a given day, might also look to come hard on the formidable Indian side, with nothing to loose.
In the bowling, all eyes will be on pacers Kagiso Rabada and Lungisani Ngidi to provide their side with flurry of wickets at the St George's Park.
However, the weather department has forecast rain to hit the city and it may affect the team composition.
Squad:
India: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli (captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (wk), Ajinkya Rahane, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik, Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, Mohammed Shami, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel.
South Africa: Aiden Markram (captain), Jean-Paul Duminy, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Morne Morkel, David Miller, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Andile Phehlukwayo, Lungisani Ngidi, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Imran Tahir, Farhaan Behardien, Khaya Zondo, Tabraiz Shamsi.
With inputs from IANS
Updated Date:Feb 14, 2018