This is how you mount a comeback in the series – with a statement win. The batters are always advised to turn their good form into the purple patch and this is exactly what Shreyas Iyer has done in the ongoing series against South Africa. After failing to play a big knock despite scoring an explosive fifty, Iyer ensured to win the 2nd game for India by smashing an unbeaten century. The right-handed batter came to bat when Men in Blue were under pressure after losing both of their openers while chasing a big total.
After losing the first ODI, Men in Blue locked horns with the Proteas in the 2nd ODI in MS Dhoni’s city, Ranchi. This time South African skipper won the toss but he chose to bat first. South Africa had a decent outing with the bat as they posted a par total of 278/7 in 50 overs. Aiden Markram and Reeza Hendricks scored the fifties for their side.
Chasing the total, India came under massive pressure after losing skipper Shikhar Dhawan and Shubman Gill inside the first nine overs. At this moment, Shreyas Iyer joined forces with Ishan Kishan and take the game ahead with a crucial partnership of 161 runs for the 3rd wicket.
Shreyas Iyer smashes his 2nd ODI century to level the series
India could still be in trouble after losing Ishan Kishan as they had only Sanju Samson waiting in the pavilion. The rest of the batting had three all-rounders and another wicket could put pressure on the batting. Shreyas Iyer took responsibility and remained unbeaten at one as he returned with 113 runs off 111 deliveries, including 15 boundaries. Meanwhile, Sanju Samson also remained unbeaten for 30 vital runs.
Also Read: Watch: Mohammed Siraj commits comedy of errors and gifts boundary to South Africa in 2nd ODI
In the end, India completed the chase with 25 deliveries remaining and seven wickets in hand. The fans could not stop themselves from praising Shreyas Iyer after the match-winning knock.
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