India v South Africa
Wisden's review of the 13th match, India v South Africa
15-Apr-2016
At Melbourne, February 22, 2015 (day/night). India won by 130 runs. Toss: India.
A vast crowd, overwhelmingly backing India, and second in size in this tournament only to the final - enjoyed themselves as Dhawan compiled a slick, stylish century in his wife's home city. It was his seventh and highest one-day international century, with the pick of his 18 boundaries an audacious ramp off Parnell, followed next ball by a flourishing straight-drive. Dropped by Amla off Parnell at backward point on 53, Dhawan added 127 with Kohli, who looked in ominous form until smashing an Imran Tahir long-hop to midwicket. It had been exactly the sort of acceleration required after a cautious approach had brought India just 37 in the first 11 overs. Rahane's 79 from 60 balls was achieved in classic fashion, without a hint of improvisation, against an attack that lost Philander to a hamstring problem after he had bowled four overs. When South Africa batted, Mohammed Shami and Mohit Sharma followed predetermined plans for each batsman with precision, while a short back-stop for du Plessis, almost behind the keeper, cut off his signature lapsweep. There were two run-outs, and the last eight wickets tumbled for 69. India's victory was well prepared and ruthlessly executed. "I just want to feel sad in my room for a while," said de Villiers. NEIL MANTHORP
Man of the Match: S. Dhawan.
A vast crowd, overwhelmingly backing India, and second in size in this tournament only to the final - enjoyed themselves as Dhawan compiled a slick, stylish century in his wife's home city. It was his seventh and highest one-day international century, with the pick of his 18 boundaries an audacious ramp off Parnell, followed next ball by a flourishing straight-drive. Dropped by Amla off Parnell at backward point on 53, Dhawan added 127 with Kohli, who looked in ominous form until smashing an Imran Tahir long-hop to midwicket. It had been exactly the sort of acceleration required after a cautious approach had brought India just 37 in the first 11 overs. Rahane's 79 from 60 balls was achieved in classic fashion, without a hint of improvisation, against an attack that lost Philander to a hamstring problem after he had bowled four overs. When South Africa batted, Mohammed Shami and Mohit Sharma followed predetermined plans for each batsman with precision, while a short back-stop for du Plessis, almost behind the keeper, cut off his signature lapsweep. There were two run-outs, and the last eight wickets tumbled for 69. India's victory was well prepared and ruthlessly executed. "I just want to feel sad in my room for a while," said de Villiers. NEIL MANTHORP
Man of the Match: S. Dhawan.