India’s uncanny streak of toss misfortune continued as they lost their 20th consecutive toss in ODIs, with South Africa opting to bowl first in the second match of the series at Raipur.
Despite the odds—statistically pegged at a mere 1 in 1,048,576—India remains unfazed, having won 63% of their last 19 matches even after losing the toss.
Fans in Raipur are hoping for another Ro-Ko masterclass, as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli lead the unchanged Indian lineup. South Africa, meanwhile, brings back skipper Temba Bavuma, along with Keshav Maharaj and Lungi Ngidi, aiming to level the series.
India Playing XI
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Washington Sundar, KL Rahul (w/c), Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna
South Africa Playing XI
Quinton de Kock (w), Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi
In the first ODI at Ranchi, India posted a commanding 349, powered by Virat Kohli’s 52nd ODI century and half-centuries from Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul. South Africa’s chase saw early setbacks from Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh, but Marco Jansen’s 26-ball fifty and Corbin Bosch’s resistance kept the contest alive. Eventually, India sealed a 17-run victory, setting the stage for a potential series win.
