India vs. South Africa: Winners and Losers from 2nd T20
South Africa beat hosts India by six wickets with 17 balls still remaining in their second of three Twenty20s in Cuttack on Monday.
The result means South Africa now have an unassailable 0-2 series lead heading into the final T20 on Thursday.
The second T20 was a complete contrast to the first one, though, and it was soured by the crowd behaving badly.
Winner: South Africa’s Fielding
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South Africa put in an immense effort in the field on Monday. They have slipped up a few times in recent months, but this was a lesson in how to field.
The run out of Rohit Sharma was a particularly impressive piece of work.
When the Proteas get it right in the field, they are superb. It’s something they work hard on, and it must be pleasing when it pays off.
Winner: South Africa’s Bowlers
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South Africa's bowlers put in a complete turnaround performance compared to their efforts in the first T20 on Friday.
They did not concede a single six and dismantled India for 92.
Much of the pressure came as a result of South Africa's solid fielding, but Imran Tahir was back to his best and even Albie Morkel chipped in with three sticks.
Consistency is a slight concern (there were 11 extras, nine of which were wides), but luckily, South Africa managed to get away with it this time.
Loser: India’s Batting
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In the first T20, India put on formidable batting display that was led by Rohit Sharma. This time, they collapsed in a heap.
Sure, South Africa bowled well and some sharp fielding led to Rohit Sharma’s wicket, but there were a few other basic errors that cost India.
Virat Kohli was run out needlessly, Suresh Raina missed a googly and Ambati Rayudu missed a full toss.
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Loser: The Crowd
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This was yet another complete opposite compared to the first T20. There, the crowd was treated to some superb entertainment. This time, there was very little for them to celebrate.
The crowd decided to show their dismay by throwing bottles. It was manageable at first, but when South Africa were 64 for three and within sight of victory, more bottles were thrown and the match had to be halted.
The players didn’t look too bothered, they just sat around having a chat. But it was severely disappointing behaviour from the crowd.
Sure, you might be angry because your team is getting hammered, but to behave so inconsiderately is just foolish.
Later, play was halted again with South Africa on 70 for three, and a long discussion between South African management, Faf du Plessis and match officials took place.
They eventually got back onto the field, but the delay was annoying and unnecessary.
Winner: The Match Officials
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While the crowd were acting in an unruly manner, the match officials were doing their best to get play restarted.
In situations like these, it’s often easy to simply abandon play—especially if a result is already possible via the Duckworth-Lewis method. But the officials who were at Cuttack on Monday deserve immense credit.
Chris Broad could have decided to call things off after the second time play had to be halted, but they managed to get play restarted with most of the crowd cleared out.
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