IND vs SA: 20 throws, zero chance! India’s baffling streak continues as Bavuma opts to play in Raipur | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: India’s extraordinary and increasingly mystifying run of ODI defeats extended to 20 consecutive matches on Wednesday, as South Africa’s returning captain Temba Bavuma called correctly and elected to bowl first in the second ODI in Raipur. For KL Rahul’s side – already 1-0 in the series after a thrilling 17-run win in Ranchi – it felt like déjà vu. For Bavuma, it was an opportunity to keep the series alive with conditions likely to improve to bat under the lights.Live results: India vs South Africa, 2nd ODIIndia last won an ODI toss in the semi-final of the 2023 World Cup.Rahul could only laugh at the toss sequence. “It’s been a long time since we won the draw,” he said with a wry smile. “We played very well in the last match. They pushed us and we know what to expect. Before the series, we talked about it: we expect dew wherever we play. Put runs on the board, pick wickets early. The wicket looks good. Same team for us.

Bavuma, back after missing the Ranchi ODI, looked relieved. “We’ll have a bowl,” he said. “We’re hoping the dew will come and make it easier to slide the ball. Lots of positives from the last game. We did a really good job of getting close after the start. A big game for us, a chance to keep the series alive.” Bavuma confirmed three changes with himself, Keshav Maharaj and Lungi Ngidi slotting into the XI.Go beyond borders with our YouTube channel. REGISTER NOW!The pitch, meanwhile, had several layers of intrigue. Deep Dasgupta and Shaun Pollock reported contrasting halves – one end looking dry and good for batting, the other uneven with cracks and patchy spots. “It will be two-paced, with uneven bounce…not as good as Ranchi,” warned Pollock. Reverse rocking, they added, could be a major factor due to the abrasive surface. And then, of course, the ever-present dew: “You really want to hunt.”»India, forced to bat first again, named an unchanged XI comprising Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal and a bowling attack led by Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav.Playing XIs:South Africa: Cock (w), Aiden Markram, Bavouma Spain (c), Matthew Breetzke, Tony of Sort, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Cornwall, Nandre Burger, Nandre Burger.India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Washington Sundar, KL Rahul (with), Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna.