In the second ODI match against Team India, South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma has won the toss and elected to bowl first at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Raipur.
After winning the toss, Bavuma said that the visitors would like to bowl first with the hope of the dew playing a crucial role in the later stages of the match.
“We`ll bowl first, hoping the dew helps us later. The pitch looks dry, but it`s hard to predict. We`re building on our performance from the last game, and we`ve made some changes. We need to win this one to keep the series alive. It`s a big game, and we`re focused on improving our game plan,” he said.
In South Africa`s team, Ryan Rickelton has made way for skipper Bavuma, and star spinner Keshav Maharaj has returned to the side by replacing Prenelan Subrayen. Ottneil Baartman has also been benched, and Lungi Ngidi will come in his place.
On the other hand, Team India skipper KL Rahul said, “We`ve been practising the toss, but it`s still not working in our favour. We`re looking to seal the series here, building on the positives from the last game. The team`s in good shape, and we`re excited for this one. Dew`s a factor, but we`ve prepared for it. We`re sticking to our plan – put runs on the board and take early wickets”.
Currently, the “Men in Blue” are leading the three-match ODI series by 1-0. The hosts will expect their stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to replicate their performances from the previous match.
Also, the inclusion of Maharaj will boost the Proteas` bowling line-up. The side will be eager to secure a win in Raipur to keep the series alive.
IND vs SA 2nd ODI: Confirmed Playing XI
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Washington Sundar, KL Rahul (C), Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna.
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, Temba Bavuma (C), Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi.
