India vs. South Africa: Winners and Losers from 3rd ODI

South Africa took a 1-2 series lead after an 18-run win over India in the third of five ODIs on Sunday. After a fumble toward the latter overs of their batting innings, South Africa’s bowlers did the business to see them over the line and keep their momentum turning. The Test series is looming ever closer, and the ODI series is the perfect platform to cultivate some chemistry.

Winner: Quinton De Kock

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It took an immense effort from Quinton de Kock to notch up a century, his first in international cricket since picking up an ankle injury last year. De Kock has struggled to get back into the groove since then, but finally looked a bit more settled on Sunday. He was visibly batting with the heat, but soldiered on and got the monkey off his back.

Loser: South Africa’s Batting Order, Again

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South Africa made the curious decision to move David Miller up the order to open the batting alongside Quinton de Kock. Now, there’s nothing wrong with a little experiment, but it seems an odd decision to send in a guy who has not managed more the 36 in his last five ODIs to open up.

If it was because South Africa wanted a bit more of an explosive start at the top of the order, surely it would have been a better choice to send AB de Villiers out? And, if South Africa wanted to help Miller pick up some confidence, the adding extra pressure by making him hoping surely is a little bit strange...

Loser: Shikhar Dhawan

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At the start of this ODI series, Shikhar Dhawan was India’s top scorer in ODIs for 2015. Against South Africa so far, including the T20s, Dhawan has not managed to pass 23. Whether this is just a blip or whether he just has issues with Morne Morkel’s extra pace and bounce (he was dismissed by Morkel in all three ODIs), only time will tell.

Winner: Morne Morkel

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Speaking of Morne Morkel, he had a great day out, taking four for 39 to help seal victory—and a series lead—for South Africa. Morkel’s height is always an advantage on sub-continental tracks, and he combined it with some clever field-placings to help South Africa over the line.

Morkel accounted for the wicket of Virat Kohli at a crucial time—in the 46th over when the chase was still in the balance—sticking with bowling short on leg and piling the pressure on one of India's star batsmen.

Winner: Kagiso Rabada

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Kagiso Rabada didn't pick up any wickets, but he bowled tightly. With an economy rate of just 3.90, his part in South Africa's victory should not be underestimated. While Morkel went hunting for wickets, Rabada and the rest of the South African bowlers turned the screws.

Loser: Suresh Raina

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Suresh Raina isn't having a great tour. Two ducks in a row and just three runs in the first ODI means Raina will probably be on the chopping block sooner rather than later. To make matters worse, it was a poor shot that ended his stay at the crease on Sunday, not what you need when your place in the team is on the line.