India v South Africa, 2nd ODI as it happened: India level series after clinical bowling effort

I was one of them too, but Mishra could have done it too, y’know. But, hey, its a win! So who am I to say anything.

As it happened, Axar's selection turned out to be a masterstroke despite the misgivings of many, me included.Some credit for this too to MSD

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) October 14, 2015

MS Dhoni, next. Surprise, surprise he is the man of the match.

Its a tough game you know. Lot of ppl wait with open swords waiting for you to make mistakes. Not a complete game, we can still play better but its always good to win. Yes we are not even playing to 80% of our capacity, but its good to have sort of a complete performance. We knew we needed two good deliveries when Rabada and Tahir was batting. Bowlers did well. 

[On his performance] You always try to play well for your country. It sometimes doesn’t go your away.

[Spinners] The pace was important on this wicket. Axar varied it well. Bhajji knows how to bowl on these wickets. There was not too much of help for them but they did well.

AB de Villiers: Very manageable target, poor batting performance. There is enough experience between us in the middle-order to have handled this but we were out for soft dismissals. We will always play positively, unfortunately it did not come good today. Just a little strain in my back should be OK for the next one. 

(Huge cheers of AB, AB, AB as he comes to speak – “Unbelievable!” he says)

Here’s the presentation ceremony…

Cricket, you beautiful, funny game!

India should have never lost the first match, and South Africa shouldn't have lost this one. But they are all square now

— Sambit Bal (@sambitbal) October 14, 2015

This was a stupendous game of cricket at the end of the day and Dhoni’s innings proved to be the difference. Boy, it feels good to say that. India’s bowling was good and the catching was excellent – but South Africa would look back and say, “Hmmm, did we really need to be that aggressive going for the small-ish target?”

Stats do tell a story..South Africa's win percentage while batting first is 75% but drops down to 38% batting second #PoorChasers #IndvSA

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 14, 2015

Bhajji: We all bowled really well, all of stuck to our plans. Dhoni’s captaincy was very good. Very happy with this win. Only the slower balls were turning. Axar bowled really well. Kept the pressure on. We were a little short by 30 runs or so.

OUT! INDIA WINS! Their first win off the series! First win of the tour. After a super straight drive by Morkel, Bhuvi gets the outside edge that is taken brilliantly by Suresh Raina at wide slip. WHAT A MATCH! 

INDIA WIN BY 22 runs.

OUT! Bhuvi strikes – that’s how you bowl to a tailender. A good length ball on the off stump that takes Tahir’s edge. SA 27, India need one wicket – this is a nail biter.

Yadav releases the pressure. Rabada is gifted two boundaries by Yadav – one short outside off and one short on the leg side, both put away. Horrendous discipline from Umesh there.

After 43 overs SA 221/8 (Tahir 9, Rabada 11)

Bhuvi concedes just three runs in that over – the run rate is beginning to tighten just a little bit. 34 runs from 48 balls.

After 42 overs SA 213/8 (Tahir 9, Rabada 11)

Touche!

Good to watch a relatively low-scoring game get so tight

— Sambit Bal (@sambitbal) October 14, 2015

CHEEKY!!

Thanks for the Behardien wicket Vineet Kulkarni #IndvsSA pic.twitter.com/XbCdhXiwux

— Monish (@Crownish) October 14, 2015

It’s going to be all pace from now for India. Just 2 runs in that over from Umesh – including a misfield. Rabada with some careless running between the wickets – jumping before grounding his bat to evade the ball – but not punished.

AFter 41 overs SA 210/8 (Tahir 7, Rabada 9)

India had felt hard done by with Kulkarni's umpiring earlier in this series, now he looks to have given them a lucky break

— Sambit Bal (@sambitbal) October 14, 2015

Tahir is the new man in and swipes Bhajji over midwicket for a farewell six. End of his spell – 10-0-50-2.

AFter 40 overs SA 208/8 (Tahir 6, Rabada 8)

OUT! AND it’s the crucial wicket of Behardien. It looks to be a howler from umpire Vineet Kulkarni – around the wicket and Behardien tries to glance it to fine leg, huge appeal and the umpire gives it.

Umesh Yadav continues and its 4 singles. Rabada is playing with remarkable confidence for a youngster under so much pressure. 

**After 39 overs 199 for 7 (**Behardien 18, Rabada 7)

Rabada sees India’s 3 slips and raises a stupendous cover drive that makes Shaun Pollock go “SHOT YAAR!!” It was a beauty, to be fair. 7 runs in that over from Mohit Sharma. A few of these will put the pressure right back on India.

**After 38 overs 195 for 7 (**Behardien 15, Rabada 6)

What I was talking about… 

Umesh's field to Rabada. Test match in coloured clothing? 2nd @Paytm ODI #INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/32TJ3psRgd

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 14, 2015

Just two runs from Umesh Yadav’s comeback over. There were three slips in that over to Rabada towards the end as India go for the kill. 

**After 37 overs 188 for 7 (**Behardien 13, Rabada 1)

OUT! Steyn is gone and is yet another bowling change that has worked for Dhoni – Umesh Yadav strikes with his first ball back as Kohli takes a catch at covers – running a few yards – off Steyn’s miscued heave. SA 186/7.

Just two runs from Bhajji’s 9th over – one of them a leg-bye. Bhajji keeping it tight from around the wickets, even putting in  a dive to save a couple of runs.

**After 36 overs 186 for 6 (**Behardien 12, Steyn 13)

Three singles from that Mohit Sharma’s over – SA wouldn’t mind it. The equation is still very much within their control. 64 runs from 90 balls. Its the wickets that India need. 

**After 35 overs 184 for 6 (**Behardien 12, Steyn 12)

It was a beautiful sight. 

The mobile torch wave at the Holkar Stadium in Indore #IndvsSA pic.twitter.com/lwAu3RyGes

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) October 14, 2015

Harbhajan continues as Steyn takes the attack to the off-spinner with a slog sweep over mid-wicket off a tossed up ball to get a massive six. Bhajji goes around the wicket and gets the outside edge but it flies past Raina at slip and runs down to thrid man for 4. 10 runs. 10 crucial runs. 

**After 34 overs 181 for 6 (**Behardien 10, Steyn 11)

Mohit with the mother of all breakthroughs in that over. 4 runs, including a wide. Dale Steyn is the new man in but he is no mug with the bat.

**After 33 overs 171 for 6 (**Behardien 10, Steyn 1)

Two top catches by @imVkohli. Will catches win matches? Wide open now....

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 14, 2015

Mohit Sharma comes back into the attack and a short ball outside off is cut by ABD well, but Virat Kohli takes a blinder at covers – diving to his left and taking a stunning catch. SA 167/6 now

OUT! THAT"S A HUGE, HUGE WICKET FOR INDIA! THE DANGER MAN AB DE VILLIERS IS GONE!

AB de villiers shows who’s the boss. What a player! First an effortless flick past midwicket followed by a dance down the track to hit a huge six off the last ball from Bhuvi. Bhajji comes back into the attack and concedes 4 singles/

**After 32 overs 167 for 5 (**ABD 19, Behardien 8)

Bhuvi in the middle of a probing spell, just two singles from that over as he gets his line going on the off stump. Axar finishes his 10 over spell from the other end with 3 singles – an excellent spell to finish with 10-0-39-3. Well done, Axar!

**After 30 overs 152 for 5 (**ABD 7, Behardien 5)

Indore crowd lighting up their phone flashlights (am assuming).... Looks like stands buzzing with countless glow worms. Brilliant! #IndvsSA

— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) October 14, 2015

Crowd are fully behind the team now – every cell phone flash-light has been turned on in the stadium to make it look like 100 tiny floodlights from the stands!

Another probing over from Axar from around the wicket but SA manage five single – he is now finished with 9 overs. 

**After 28 overs 147 for 5 (**ABD 5, Behardien 2)

Super over from Bhuvneshwar – probably the best he has bowled this series. Four superb balls to Behardien to follow up the beauty to Miller – got an outside edge off the last ball but falls just short of Dhoni. JUST!

**After 27 overs 142 for 5 (**ABD 2, Behardien 0)

OUT! Miller is gone for a duck – Dhoni takes a diving catch as Bhuvi’s good length ball bounced a little high on Miller. India are right back in this one.

OUT! Axar Patel is on a roll. Gets the danger man  Faf du Plessis as Kohli takes an excellent catch  at short covers. Just two runs from that over too. Excellent spell this. But what a knock by Faf. 

**After 26 overs 141 for 4 (**ABD 1, Miller 0)

Fifty in that over for du Plessis – a superb knock. But that last ball that he took a single would have seen him run out if it was a direct hit. 5 runs from Bhuvi’s comeback over – a super cover drive included

After 25 overs 139 for 3 (du Plessis 50, ABD 0)

OUT! Axar strikes in his comeback over. JP Duminy is trapped LBW from a quicker one from over the wicket as he misses the sweep. Crucial breakthrough but too late? 

After 24 overs 134 for 3 (du Plessis 45, ABD 0)

Poor from Umesh Yadav and Dhoni cannot be a happy captain. The first ball was a stupendous pull from Faf as he pierces the gap between midwicket and mid-on. Bit of a luck for JPD as he inside edges one for another 4 but no luck about the third one – a pull with disdain.

After 24 overs SA 131/2 (du Plessis 43, Duminy 35)

Dhoni, in search of a wicket, brings back Umesh. And Faf is just bossing this chase in Indore. A superb pull through mid-wicket off Umesh is followed by another back foot square drive off Raina in the next. This is too easy for Proteas now. 7 from Umesh, 8 from Raina. 

After 22 overs SA 118/2 (du Plessis 38, Duminy 27)

Bang on from Harsha Bhogle. 246 was never enough on this track.

South Africa showing that this is actually a very good pitch to bat on.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 14, 2015

Pressure beginning to ease on the South Africans. Mohit’s over goes for 6 runs. Faf getting into the groove and punches well off the back foot that is stopped by Axar just before it reaches boundary, saves a run.

Its Suresh Raina from the other and SA clearly targeting him from the word go. Milking him behind the wicket are Faf and JPD before Faf cuts a short ball through covers for a four. 10 runs frm that over. Getting away from India here and quickly.

After 20 overs SA 103/2 (du Plessis 27, Duminy 24)

Mohit with a tight over to start with. Just two runs from it. Beat JPD off the first ball with a cross seam delivery. 

Change of ends for Axar Patel. Goes over to start with for Faf and an shortish ball is cut away for four despite a despairing dive by Rohit at deep cover. Goes back around the wicket. 8 runs from that Axar over.

After 18 overs SA 87/2 (du Plessis 18, Duminy 18)

That’s 11 overs completed by two of India’s spinners. 4 singles from Bhajji’s over but JPD survives a scare in that one. Mistimes a cover drive with one hand that is uppish but wide off the short cover. 

After 16 overs SA 77/2 (du Plessis 11, Duminy 15)

Mohit into the attack – will JPD and Faf look to take him on?

Another over, 5 more singles. Dhoni continues to have a slip for Axar but the batsmen finding gaps with ease.

After 15 overs SA 73/2 (du Plessis 9, Duminy 13)

SA taking it easy here, given there are only two spinners in the side for India. Axar’s over goes for 2 runs. Bhajji pushing it faster to Faf than he is to JPD and its 5 runs from that over. With the low target, this is smart cricket from the senior batsmen.

After 14 overs SA 68/2 (du Plessis 6, Duminy 11)

That de Kock dismissal was the fastest ball Harbhajan bowled in this innings – good thinking. Another good, tight over from him. The speed is in the early 80 kphs but the batsmen playing it smartly now – getting quick singles. Great contest, this part of the innings. 

After 12 overs SA 61/2 (du Plessis 2, Duminy 8)

Word on ABD is that he is fit to bat, but since he sat out the last few overs of the Indian innings, he is not ready to come out just yet.

Axar’s over finished in a flash. Two singles from that over as Dhoni gets some control back on the often, as he so often does with his spinners.

After 11 overs SA 58/2 (du Plessis 2, Duminy 5)

Axar’s over finished in a flash. Two singles from that over as Dhoni gets some control back on the often, as he so often does with his spinners.

After 11 overs SA 58/2 (du Plessis 2, Duminy 5)

OUT! Harbhajan strikes as Quinton de Kock falls after one big shot too many. After going through with a lofted shot off the first ball that fetched him four, de Kock holes out to Mohit at long off. An aggressive start but India have now accounted for the openers. 8 runs from that Bhajji over.

AB de Villiers has NOT come out to bat. JP Duminy is in. 

After 10 overs SA 56/2 (du Plessis 1, Duminy 4)

"Give me a spinner and I will make him a strike bowler" should be the heading of Dhoni's captaincy story. #IndvsSA

— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) October 14, 2015

Another good over from Harbhajan. Just three singles from that as Bhajji keeps it slow and gives flight. de Kock drives one uppishly that falls just short of point.

Axar from the other end and bowls one bad ball that is cut away by de Kock for 4 – the opener showing great aggression to put this game past India early.

After 9 overs SA 48/1 (de Kock 30, du Plessis 1)

OUT! Axar Patel strikes in his over as Amla gets stumped trying to step down and clear him over covers. The ball spins just enough. Big breakthrough for India as Dhoni’s ploy to bring on spinners in tandem works instantly. Harbhajan bowled a good over before this for just 4 runs.

After 7 overs SA 40/1 (de Kock 23, du Plessis 0)

Bhuvi bowls a good over but its spoilt by a misfield by Bhajji at mid-on. Unnecessary and de Kock takes 3 runs. Harbhajan into the attack from the other end.

After 5 overs SA 32/0 (Amla 11, de Kock 21)

Oh dear. This is not going well for India. First ball, de Kock doesn’t time his pull and it ends up going to Rohit who dives with two hands but spills it after the impact. Next ball is driven beautifully for 4. Amla then brings out a beautiful flick through midwicket. 11 from that over.

After 4 overs SA 29/0 (Amla 11, de Kock 18)

Bhuvi struggling a bit here against the left hander. The angle is working in the favour of de Kock, who flicks it again past mid-wicket for 4. 7 from the over.

After 3 overs SA 18/0 (Amla 7, de Kock 11)

Good over from Umesh but six runs from it. A full swinging first ball finds Amla’s edge but it flies wide off the two slips for a four. Beats de Kock with a good ball outside off. de Kock looking confident, striking the ball well out there.

After 2 overs SA 11/0 (Amla 6, de Kock 5)

A good start for South Africa. Bhuvaneshar Kumar starts off with a good ball to Amla but from around the stumps to de Kock he is too straight, as the southpaw flicks one through midwicket for a four. 

After 1 over SA 5/0 (Amla 1, de Kock 4)

Right, Bhuvi set to get the second innings underway. Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock take guard for South Africa.

.@msdhoni plays a captain's innings of 92* to help India to 247/9 in the 2nd ODI: http://t.co/9IUuNI18NZ #IndvSA pic.twitter.com/b9Xi72Txla

— ICC (@ICC) October 14, 2015

Just for the lollzz.. (Pardon my slang)

Dhoni treating Mohit Sharma like Ambati Rayudu.#IndvsSA

— Gaurav Sethi (@BoredCricket) October 14, 2015

Whether Dhoni has given India a fighting chance or not remains to be seen, but he has certainly shut up his critics

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) October 14, 2015

Lots of Dhoni love doing the rounds, and deservedly so.

Repeat - India have a replacement for Tendulkar in Kohli. None for Dhoni. None!

— Karthik Lakshmanan (@lk_karthik) October 14, 2015

WHAT A LAST OVER FROM RABADA! Superb stuff. Dhoni, understandably, tries to keep the strike. Rabada, like he said after the last match, hits the deck hard to Dhoni and does not let him free his arms. After five dot balls, Dhoni finally connects a pull and fires a flat six over midwicket off the last ball.

No century, but what an innings from MSD! Finishes on 92. After 50 overs, India 247/9 (Dhoni 92, Mohit 0)

Steyn continues. Dhoni continues to farm the strike. And HOW! Dot ball, smack over mid-off for four, dot ball, pull over square leg for a four, single, a plea to Mohit to keep his wicket and a wide smile when Mohit defends the last ball with a dead-bat. This is magnificent cricket from the Indian captain.

After 49 overs India 241/9 (Dhoni 86, Mohit 0)

True that.

For the first time, everyone wants Dhoni to take this to the last over! #IndvsSA

— Jigar Mehta (@jigsactin) October 14, 2015

Rabada to bowl to Dhoni and he denies a single to Mohit for the first three balls. Off the fourth ball, he picks a slower one up and drives over mid-off for four (which was given a six originally). Takes a single off the last ball. 7 runs from that over but more importantly, Dhoni shields Mohit away from strike. 

After 48 overs India 232/9 (Dhoni 77, Mohit 0)

OUT! Steyn gets another one. Umesh Yadav came, Umesh Yadav pulled Steyn for a four, Umesh Yadav edged one to the keeper. Superb catch from de Kock. India 225-9. Still 3 overs to go.

OUT! Harbhajan falls after a nice cameo of 22. Steyn gets his man, edged to the keeper. That was after he swatted Steyn over cover. Will India last 50 overs? Dhoni on 72 but watching from the other end.

Gives the bowlers hope, but I am afraid its nothing more.

Dhoni is giving the Indian bowlers something to bowl at after another poor batting performance

— Sambit Bal (@sambitbal) October 14, 2015

Gives the bowlers hope, but I am afraid its nothing more.

Dhoni is giving the Indian bowlers something to bowl at after another poor batting performance

— Sambit Bal (@sambitbal) October 14, 2015

Morkel finishes a superb spell with another good over. Just five singles from it. The last ball saw Harbhajan go for a hoick over long-off but skies it to deep cover but it falls safe. Behardien lost it in flight. Morkel finishes with identical figures to Tahir. 10-0-42-2. 

After 46  overs India 217/7 (Dhoni 72,  Harbhajan 18)

After 4 runs from yet another good over from Morkel (except a wide down the leg) Dhoni unleashes his brute force on Tahir. The first boundary was a deftly placed leg glance off the quicker ball on the pads but the one that was flighted was deposited behind the sight screen fior a MASSIVE six.

Tahir’s last over goes foer 16,, but what a spell overall. Ends with  10-1-42-2. 

After 45 overs India 212/7 (Dhoni 70,  Harbhajan 14)

That was vintage.

A six over long on to kill haters. #Dhoni

— Karthik Lakshmanan (@lk_karthik) October 14, 2015

Today's knock shows that Dhoni still has a lot to offer to Indian cricket...but at #4...he must find a way to bat there in ODI. #IndvSA

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 14, 2015

After a quiet over from Morkel for two runs, hell breaks loose (well, not really) in Duminy’s over. First the big six from Dhoni to reach his 50 and then Bhajji breaks loose – first a mid-wicket slog for a four and a huge six over wide long on. 17 runs from that over.

After 43 overs India 192/7 (Dhoni 57,  Harbhajan 13)

SIX! Dhoni with a massive bottom-hand pull off Duminy to reach his 50! Well played, captain.

Dhoni continues to fight a lone battle. Two top class boundaries on either sides of the wicket – Rabada is taken for 8 runs in the over. The short ball on pads is pulled over square leg. Next is a cut past point. Harbhajan tries to take a single off the last ball to give Dhoni the strike but its a dot ball.

After 41 overs India 173/7 (Dhoni 48,  Harbhajan 0)

OUT! Bhuvi is bowled! Tahir gets the breakthrough after a nice little partnership between Bhuvi and Dhoni. A nice flighted delivery on the leg stump induces the off- drive from the batsman but he ends up playing inside the line and his bowled through his legs.

Harbhajan Singh is the new man in. Its a maiden wicket from the leggie. 

After 40 overs India 165/7 (Dhoni 48,  Harbhajan 0)

After  39 overs India 165/6 (Dhoni 40, Bhuvi 14)

A no ball, a free hit and a wide in that over but still Rabada ends up conceding just five runs off the over . De Villiers doesn’t realise that he has just four men inside the circle and not five, the umpires realise it late and call it a no ball. Bhuvneshwar could garner just a single off the free hit as he top edges his heave which falls in between three fielders converging on the leg side.

Rabada into the attack now…

After  38 overs India 159/6 (Dhoni 38, Bhuvi 12)

Dhoni and Bhuvneshwar now looking confident out in the middle. Rotating the strike well and the runs are coming. Four singles off the over. Bhuvneshwar is striking them off the middle and looking good in the middle.

After  37 overs India 155/6 (Dhoni 36, Bhuvi 10)

Finally, a good over for India. At first, Bhuvneshwar gets down and sweeps it wide of short fine leg for a boundary. Dhoni then again misses his cut looking to chip down the wicket but he gets back in time as De Kock clips the bails off. Dhoni then comes down the wicket and hammers a short one over long leg for a huge six. A single off the last ball makes it 13 off the over.

Duminy continues….

After  36 overs India 142/6 (Dhoni 29, Bhuvi 5)

Good running between the wickets between Dhoni and Bhuvneshwar. Four singles off it. India need more of these. They should make sure they don’t go into a shell or get bogged down. If not boundaries, keep the singles and twos coming. 4 runs off the over.

Imran Tahir into the attack now…

After  35 overs India 138/6 (Dhoni 27, Bhuvi 3)

Another very tight over from Duminy. Just one run off it. Twice in two overs of Duminy that Dhoni has gone for a cut but missed. India struggling to rotate strike.

Duminy continues..

After  34 overs India 137/6 (Dhoni 27, Bhuvi 2)

A good over from Morkel. He has bowled really well today. He looked a touch listless in the last match. Bhuvneshwar flicks one to long leg for a single and then Dhoni pushes one down the ground for a couple. Just three runs off it.

Morkel replaces Steyn.

After  33 overs India 134/6 (Dhoni 25, Bhuvi 1)

A tight over from Duminy. Dhoni looked a touch restless as looked to get out of the crease but missed his cut as it stayed a touch low. Just two singles off the over.

Duminy continues….

Interesting stats, those.

Virat since becoming Test captain:
Tests (as captain): M-6,Runs-696,Avg 63.2,100-4
ODIs (under Dhoni):M-17,Runs-401,Avg 28.6,100-1 #IndvSA

— Rajneesh Gupta (@rgcricket) October 14, 2015

Duminy getting done with his overs quickly here. After Dhoni gets a single off the second ball, Bhuvi plays out the rest off the over. Just one run from it. 

Steyn continues to breathe fire at the other end, but Dhoni does some fire-fighting. Gets the crowd again after a while with two back-to-back doubles, on the off side and on-side. A single to follow as 5 runs come from that over.

Drinks :After  32 overs India 132/6 (Dhoni 24, Bhuvi 0)

India need to play 7 batsmen, 4 bowlers. Can't bank on Axar for batting. Strength is batting so bolster it. Use part-timers more. #IndvsSA

— Jigar Mehta (@jigsactin) October 14, 2015

On another note, the #Proteas are proving an old adage: a good pace attack is priceless, whatever the conditions are.

— Angikaar Choudhury (@AngikaarC) October 14, 2015

OUT! Axar is gone – and the “all-rounder” manages 13 runs from 27 balls. Looked like it might have pitched outside leg but Aleem Dar gets the LBW call spot-on. Steyn is pumped, crowd is stunned. 

After 30 overs India 125/6 (Dhoni 18, Bhuvi 0)

ABD changing his bowlers around for fun now? Steyn is back for his 3rd spell and concedes just one run – a single off the last ball to Axar Patel. ABD strangling the Indian batsmen for runs now. 

Duminy from the other end as Axar decides to get a move on finally. After two runs from the first 5 balls, Axar lofts Duminy inside out over long off for the first six of the day.

After 29 overs India 123/5 (Dhoni 17, Axar 13)

Gavaskar is furious with Axar Patel. After hitting the ball to sqaure leg, Axar goes for a walkabout and doesnt bother getting back to the batting crease. The direct hit is missed. Dhoni pulls Rabada to the fine leg for a four off the last ball.

Duminy from the other end. 3 singles in that over. India struggling to get any momentum at this stage.

After 26 overs India 114/5 (Dhoni 16, Axar 5)

Yes. 

That #AxarPatel is batting at No.7 tells you a lot about this Indian batting order. #IndvsSA

— Angikaar Choudhury (@AngikaarC) October 14, 2015

A wicket-less over at last! (By at last I mean after two overs) Just a single from Tahir’s over. 

After 25 overs India 106/5 (Dhoni 11, Axar 1)

OUT! India in deep, deep, deep-er trouble. Morkel’s plan to target Raina’s ribs works a treat – after a couple that Raina missed he edges one to de Kock behind the stumps. Axar Patel walks in. This is turning out to be a disaster for India. 

After 24 overs India 105/5 (Dhoni 11, Axar 1)

Can’t disagree there.

India are in shambles.

— Pratyush Sinha (@prat1204) October 14, 2015

OUT! India in deep, deep trouble now. Tahir is off on his run – a full ball on the leg stumps, Rahane goes for the sweep and misses it. The ball turns enough to clip the leg stumps. Rahane looks stunned, waiting around to find out if the keeper clipped the stumps – but de Kock was nowhere close to the stumps. Huge blow for India. 

After 23 overs India 102/4 (Dhoni 10, Raina 0)

Tahir continues with three runs from his over – all singles. Morkel from the other end, as Behardien gets only one over. 8 runs from that over, including the 4 to get Rahane his fifty. 

After 22 overs India 101/3 (Rahane 51, Dhoni 9)

FIFTY FOR RAHANE! But for that life that took Kohli’s wicket – he’s looked in good knick. A shot over the keeper from a Morkel short ball – an upper cut.

Indecisive running is costing Kohli. This is, undoubtedly, the most challenging phase of his career.

No fifty for Virat in 12 consecutive ODI innings now (since 22-02-2015). Before this he never had a streak of more than 7 inns without a 50!

— Rajneesh Gupta (@rgcricket) October 14, 2015

The crowd is still recovering from that almighty mix-up. Can’t blame Kohli because there was a second, can’t blame Rahane because it was a misfield and he was recovering from that drop. I will blame myself for moving my chair.

Dhoni is out in the middle as India falter on this flat track. Its crucial for Rahane to block the out from his head.  4 singles from Tahir’s over. Beharides from the other end goes for 4 runs in his first over. ABD trying to get the overs done from his 5th bowlers.

After 20 overs India 90/3 (Rahane 44, Dhoni 5)

After all these running between the wickets problems, they still look for a risky second. #IndvsSA

— Jigar Mehta (@jigsactin) October 14, 2015

OUT! OH DEAR, OH DEAR! Kohli is run-out and he is furious! Rahane first drives on the up to mid-off where Behardien drops a catch. The batsmen run, but Behardien runs back to collect the mis-field to find  Rahane and Kohli at the non-strikers end. Kohli wanted the 2nd, Rahane was ball-watching still recovering from the drop. But its Kohli who has to walk back. 

After 18 overs India 82/3 (Rahane 41)

Tahir continues after the break. India watchful – 5 singles in that over as the two batsmen work the straight balls into the gaps. Kohli extra watchful off the last ball as he dabs a straight full toss to long on – if that was not the first over after drinks, that would have been deposited over the ropes.

After 17 overs India 76/2 (Rahane 37, Kohli 10)

Just three runs from that probing over from Dale Steyn. Kohli plays a shot to third man and puts the after burners on to grab a couple. Watchful for the rest of the over as Steyn seems to be targetting Kohli’s fifth stump – his Kryptonite like I’d like to call it. 

Drinks: After 16 overs India 71/2 (Rahane 35, Kohli 7)

His poor form has definitely flown under the radar.. India need a big innings from him now..

.@imVkohli had been India's highest run-scorer in ODIs 5 years in a row (2010-2014). Not even among top-5 this year!!#IndvsSA #IndvSA

— Rajneesh Gupta (@rgcricket) October 14, 2015

As you’d expect, ABD brings Steyn into the attack. To test the new batsman Virat Kohli. Crucial phase of the match, this could be. Starts with a slip in place….

Imran Tahir is into the attack now. Starts off on the stumps as Rahane and kohli look to work around for singles. 4 off them from that over. 

After 15 overs India 68/2 (Rahane 35, Kohli 4)

After 14 overs India 65/2 (Rahane 33, Kohli 2)

A pretty decent over from Duminy compared to the last one. He got his lines right on most deliveries and bowled them full. 5 singles off the over.

After 13 overs India 59/2 (Rahane 30, Kohli 0)

A fiery over from Morkel. He got the wicket of Dhawan with a slower one and then bowled a sharp bouncer to Kohli who swayed away from line at the last moment. He then induced an outside edge of Kohli off the next ball but it fell short of the second slip. 2 runs and a wicket off the over.

OUT! Dhawan’s struggle ends. S Dhawan c Duminy b Morkel 23 (34b 4×4 0x6)

Clever change of pace from Morkel. It’s full and slow outside off, Dhawan looks to drive but is done in by the change of pace and he ends up mistiming it straight into the hands of Duminy at short extra cover.

Virat Kohli is the next man in.

Morne Morkel continues….

After 12 overs India 57/1 (Dhawan 22, Rahane 29)

50 up for India in that over and also the fifty partnership. Duminy missed his lengths in that over. The first one was a warm-up harf tracker and Dhawan pulled it through mid-wicket for a boundary. Duminy bowled a couple of full tosses next up but was lucky to get away with them as the Indian batsmen could yield just a couple of singles off it. Duminy then bowls the last one short, Rahane punches it through covers, some good fielding in the deep by Behardien saves a couple of runs for the visitors. 9 runs off the over.

JP Duminy into the attack now.

Morkel continues. He shortens his length to start with. An awkward bouncer is dealt with well by Rahane who controls a pull on the ground for a single. Three more singles in the over. Good consolidation from the two batsmen here. 

After 11 overs India 48/1 (Dhawan 16, Rahane 26)

Rahane playing Rabada with much more ease than Dhawan as he enjoys the ball coming on to the bat at pace. After a muffled LBW appeal off the first ball, Rahane pulls a fast but short ball past square leg for four. A single to third man off the last ball to keep strike.

After 10 overs India 44/1 (Dhawan 14, Rahane 24)

South Africa have Mid off positioned at 'Test match' level. #IndvsSA

— Jigar Mehta (@jigsactin) October 14, 2015

Indian innings getting a move on here. First ball off the over was short and slightly wide, Rahane plays an uppish cut over point for a four. Dhawan then drives Morkel down the ground off the last ball as ABD kept himself wide at mid-off. Run rate over 4 for the first time.

After 9 overs India 39/1 (Dhawan 14, Rahane 19)

Dhawan after struggling for the first four balls from Rabada, drives one through the covers beautifully. Its been an odd innings from Dhawan so far, great shots sandwiched by very ordinary looking ones. 

After 8 overs India 30/1 (Dhawan 10, Rahane 14)

Morne Morkel is into the attack and he troubles Dhawan straight away with his pace and bounce. 1 single, 1 leg-byes and 2 wides from the over. Goes over the stumps to Rahane, around to Dhawan.

After 7 overs India 24/1 (Dhawan 5, Rahane 13)

My bet is less than 418…

First innings totals in three ODIs so far at Indore's Holkar Cricket Stadium: 288, 292 & 418.
Any guess for today?#IndvsSA #IndvSA

— Rajneesh Gupta (@rgcricket) October 14, 2015

A maiden over from Rabada – varying his length brillliantly like Kumble pointed out on air. Starts with a nasty bouncer and follows that up with full, fiery yorkers. A good over, Dhawan looking shaky.

After 6 overs India 20/1 (Dhawan 5, Rahane 12)

An eventful over that from Steyn to Rahane. First ball was a superb cover drive on the up that raced to the boundary. Two balls back-to-back were played and missed outside off, Rahane then slaps the fourth ball over cover for a one-bounce four – flat as the track Next ball is the best shot of the over – a flick through midwicket.

After 5 overs India 20/1 (Dhawan 5, Rahane 12)

Rohit's last five ODI inngs at home: 4, 264, 9, 150, 3. So we know what's coming up in the next game #INDvSA

— S Rajesh (@rajeshstats) October 14, 2015

Dhawan, after a almost chopping an inside-edge on to the stumps of Rabada’s first ball, get his signature cover drive going. First boundary of the day. Last ball of the over sees a huge appeal for LBW – seemed high. No replays yet.

After 4 overs India 8/1 (Dhawan 5, Rahane 0)

Steyn continues and the pace is well and truly cranked up now. First ball rises on Dhawan from a good length and the outside edge falls well short of point. Tries to get off the mark with a tight, tight single. Rahane dives full length to make it just in time. Rahane then plays it safe against the outswingers from Steyn. Solid start from South Africa.

After 3 overs India 4/1 (Dhawan 1, Rahane 0)

India on the backfoot very early after losing @ImRo45...and all pins and needles with Shikhar Dhawan's running between wickets!

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) October 14, 2015

Great start from Rabada – full fast. Rohit got a cover drive away for a couple but that full ball was just a bit too fast for Rohit. Ajinkya Rahane is the new man in – gets another chance at No. 3. Negotiates the first two balls. 

Dhawan yet to face a ball.

After 2 overs India 3/1 (Dhawan 0, Rahane 0)

OUT! Rohit Sharma is cleaned up by a full, fast straight ball from Rabada. The youngster carries on from where he left off last match! The off-stump goes for a walk as Rohit misses his flick.

ABD was right, there is swing in the air and Steyn starts off on the money. The new ball is moving from the right hander. Nice and full, moving away. Rohit watchful, leaves the ones wide of the stumps and drives a couple on the up. Single off the last ball – a tight one. 

After 1 over, India 1/0 (Rohit 1, Dhawan 0)

So enough about the team then. Its the batsman in the firing line first up. Rohit Sharma is in great touch and will love to bat first on this pitch. Dhawan needs some runs and this will be a great chance for him. The players and umpires are out in the middle at the Holkar Stadium, Indore.

So having lost Ashwin to injury and Binny being Binny, India decided to replace Ashwin with Bhajji and Binny with an all-rounder in Axar. But Dhoni wanted three fast bowlers, so out goes Mishra and in comes Mohit. 

Thought: Has Axar ever showed enough with the bat to certify being picked as an all-rounder? Bhuvi, Mohit, Umesh, Amit and Bhajii does not sound as bad.

#Surprised is about right.

Beefed up the bowling by playing 5 bowlers...but dropped the second best bowler from the last game. Best bowler injured anyway. #Surprised

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 14, 2015

AB de Villiers: “I was also leaning on batting first. There is a hint of swing in the air. We need to do the basics well. Once we lay the foundation in the bowling, like the batting, we have a chance. No changes in our side.”

South Africa XI: H Amla, Q de Kock, F du Plessis, AB de Villiers, D Miller, JP Duminy, F Behardien, D Steyn, K Rabada, M Morkel, I Tahir. 

India XI:  Rohit Sharma, Dhawan, Rahane, Kohli, Dhoni, Raina, Axar Patel, Harbhajan Singh, B Kumar, Mohit Sharma, U Yadav

Amit Mishra getting dropped is a bit of a doozy to be honest. Dhoni’s explanation: Mishra can’t bat at No. 7 and India need an extra fast bowler on this flat track. 

Give me a minute as I try to wrap my head around this.

India win the toss and choose to bat first. That’s Dhoni’s first toss win this series. Good omen? Axar, Harbhajan and Mohit Sharma are in. Amit Mishra, Ashwin (injury) and Binny are out

It’s time for the toss in Indore. The captains are out.

After a rare day match in Kanpur, we are back to the more familiar day-night format as the Freedom series caravan moves to Indore. Its a lucky ground for India where the last time they played their opening batsman made a double hundred – Sehwag’s 219. Rohit Sharma, take note.

Hi and welcome to the live blog of the 2nd ODI between India and South Africa. Can India finally register a win against South Africa? Or will ABD and Co continue to mount the pressure on Dhoni and his team? Let’s find out.