India vs. South Africa: Winners and Losers from 4th ODI
The to and fro between India and South Africa continued with the hosts clinching a 35-run win in Chennai, India, on Thursday.
The ODI series is now tied 2-2, meaning there is plenty to look forward to in Sunday’s fifth and final match.
We have picked some winners and losers from Thursday—add yours in the comments.
Winner: Virat Kohli
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As somebody on social media put it: Virat Kohli was cramping so bad, he was walking like one of those little, green army men toys.
The heat really got to the players out there on Thursday, but Kohli battled through and scored a vital 138 off 140 for his team.
With India's key man Rohit Sharma failing, Kohli stepped up to the challenge. He was well supported by Ajinkya Rahane and Suresh Raina and played a massive role in South Africa's win.
Loser: South Africa's Spinners
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On a track that usually aids spinners, South Africa's spin bowlers fell a bit flat. Aaron Phangiso and Imran Tahir struggled to get going, and neither managed a wicket.
Although they did have moderate economy rates of 5.66 and 6.44, respectively, they weren't nearly as effective as South Africa needed them to be.
Winner: Kagiso Rabada
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Kagiso Rabda's star continues to rise, and he was one of South Africa's key men once more.
With the lowest economy rate of all the South African bowlers (5.40) and figures of 10-0-54-3, Rabada took on a somewhat senior role in the absence of Morne Morkel despite being far less experienced than both Chris Morris and Dale Steyn.
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Winner: AB de Villiers
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AB de Villiers played yet another sublime knock, scoring 112 off 107 and trying his best to see the team home when the rest of the batsmen had fallen flat.
De Villiers was running out of partners towards the end, and while some will feel that he should have taken more responsibility instead of going out swinging, he didn't have much of a choice. The required rate was creeping up and there were no more recognised batsmen left.
Winner: Axar Patel
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Young Axar Patel showed South Africa’s spinners how it should be done.
His figures of 10-0-40-1 gave him an economy rate of 4.00, the lowest of any bowler for both teams.
Patel has been a revelation this series, bowling tight lines and with control.
Loser: David Miller
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David Miller has been floating around South Africa's batting order so we do have some sympathy for him, but he has struggled on this tour.
Low scores in every single one of the ODIs so far means the domestic cricket break that will soon come is needed.
Once Rilee Rossouw returns to fitness, Miller's place will be under threat.
Winner: India's Bowlers
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We've singled out Axar Patel for his effort, but all of India's bowlers deserve credit for bowling smartly and, most importantly, constantly disrupting partnerships.
It helps that the bowlers had a big total to bowl at, but they were crafty and sharp throughout and bogged down South Africa to take advantage of their wobbliness under pressure.
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