Tony de Zorzi hits maiden century as Proteas set up ODI series decider against India
By
SABC Sport
19th December 2023
Tony de Zorzi struck his maiden international century to help Proteas trounce India by eight wickets in Gqeberha and set up an ODI series decider.
Playing in just his fourth ODI, De Zorzi hit an unbeaten 119 off 122 balls as the Proteas reached their target of 212 with more than seven overs to spare.
De Zorzi and Reeza Hendricks put on 130 for the first wicket to settle the nerves of hosts who bounced back after receiving a walloping by the same margin in the first match of the series at the Wanderers.
Hendricks started scratchy but slowly gained his timing as his innings went on and was eventually dismissed for 52 from 81 deliveries.
De Zorzi though looked fluent at the other end and added a partnership of 76 with Rassie van der Dussen (36) to take the stuffing out of the tourists.
The Proteas' victory has lot to do with the bowling unit after dismissing India for 211 in 46.2 overs with left-arm paceman Nandre Burger coming to the fore.
Burger was the pick of a disciplined bowling attack, finishing the figures of 3-30 in his 10 overs while fellow left-am seamer Beauran Hendricks took 2-24 in his 10 overs.
Sai Sudharsan top-scored for the visitors with 62, the opener following up his half-century at the Wanderers, while skipper KL Rahul hit a patient 56.
The tourists however collapsed from 113-2 to 211 all out as they succumbed to the relentless pressure from the home side's bowling unit.
The third and deciding ODI of the series will be played in Paarl on Thursday.
