South Africa produced a clinical performance to beat India by 8 wickets in the 2nd ODI match on Tuesday. The Proteas have leveled the three-match series 1-1 with a big win. All the eyes will now be on the third and final ODI as both teams will look to deliver their best and win the series decider. The final ODI will be played at Boland Park on December 21, Thursday. South African opener Tony de Zorzi’s maiden ton helped his side chase 212 with ease.

Batting first, India faced an early setback as Nandre Burger dismissed Ruturaj Gaikwad in the first over. Sai Sudharsan and Tilak Varma tried to build the Indian innings but again it was Burger who put India on the back foot by removing Varma (10). However, Sudharsan and KL Rahul stitched a crucial 68-run partnership to get India out of deep trouble. The 22-year-old Sudharsan (62), who slammed a gritty half-century, scripted history by becoming the second Indian batter after Navjot Sidhu to score consecutive fifties in the first two ODIs.

India’s skipper Rahul (56) departed after hitting his 18th ODI half-century. Sanju Samson (12) failed to make a big impact while debutant Rinku Singh walked off after scoring 17. South African bowlers bowled brilliantly to bowl out India for 211. Burger starred with a three-wicket haul.

Kickstarting the run chase for the hosts, openers Zorzi and Hendricks stitched a record partnership of 130 in 27.5 overs. Hendricks departed for 52 while Rassie van der Dussen chipped in with 36. Zorzi remained unbeaten on 119 to take South Africa home. Men in Blue failed to assert control throughout the match.