India vs South Africa 2nd ODI Match Prediction, Preview : Can South Africa Level the series

India vs South Africa ODI series now moves to the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur for the  second match. India is leading the series 1-0 after a thrilling 17-run win in the first ODI at Ranchi. India wants to seal the series with another win, while South Africa must fight hard to level 1-1 the series.

The opening ODI was a high scoring and dramatic contest. India’s strong top order dominated early, and South Africa showed great fight in the middle and lower order to keep the game alive at the end.

India batting lineup looked extremely strong in the first ODI. Virat Kohli was the star with his 52nd ODI century. His innings was full of timing, placement, control and composure.Rohit Sharma also played  freely scored 57 , KL Rahul 60 and Ravindra Jadeja added powerful finishing touches in the final overs.

While team mangement also wants runs from Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal return in squad after longtime who failed to make runs in first ODI.

However, India bowling had ups and downs. Harshit Rana  and Arshdeep Singh bowled brilliantly with the new ball, while Kuldeep Yadav four wickets completely shifted the match.

On the other hand South Africa. Despite a terrible start in the first ODI losing three wickets inside five overs South Africa fought bravely. Their middle order showed good character, and the lower order nearly pulled off a stunning chase.Marco Jansen smashed a rapid 26-ball fifty, and Corbin Bosch also contributed a valuable half-century. Their partnership kept the match alive till the final over.

The biggest concern for South Africa is the top order, especially the early dismissals of Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton. But they are expected to receive a big boost with the return of Temba Bavuma, their captain, whose calm and solid presence at the top can bring stability.Another expected return is Keshav Maharaj.

India vs South Head to Head Records in ODIs

Total matches played : 95

India won : 41

South Africa won : 51

No Results : 3

Pitch Report 

The pitch will offer good bounce and some early seam movement for fast bowlers at the start. As the match goes on, it will become slow down, allowing spinners to get more grip and turn, especially in the middle overs. However, the major factor is the heavy evening dew, which makes batting easier under lights .  teams winning the toss and Opted to bowl first . Average score around 280-290 could be competitive total.

Probable playing XIs 

India

Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Washington Sundar, kl Rahul (wk/c), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna

South Africa

Quenton de Kock(wk), Rayn Rickelton, Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzkee, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, keshav Maharaj, Ottneil Bartman, Nandre Burger

Player to watch out 

Virat Kohli  :  Kohli is in outstanding form after scoring 52nd ODI century in the first match. His ability to build an innings, rotate strike, and handle spin on slow, two-paced pitches makes him India  most important batter. He is expected to bat deep and guide the middle overs, which will be crucial on the Raipur surface.

Kuldeep Yadav : The pitch in Raipur is likely to assist spinners with extra grip and turn. This perfectly suits Kuldeep style. His four-wicket spell in Ranchi changed the match completely and put India in control. On a slower track, his variations   especially the googly and the quicker delivery will be tough to read. Kuldeep  role in the middle overs will be vital for breaking partnerships .

Marco Jansen :  is currently South Africa biggest match-winner. He smashed a powerful 70 off 39 balls in the first ODI and also took two wickets with the ball. His ability to contribute in both innings makes him a huge threat to India. He can change the game in a few overs.

Temba Bavuma :   expected return adds much-needed stability to the Proteas top order, which collapsed early in Ranchi. He is known for calm, steady batting and can anchor the innings on a difficult pitch. His presence can prevent another early collapse.

Prediction

Toss become big factor in this game , whichever teams win the toss who hold slightly edge but it could be close and  another thriller contest.