Proteas target series parity as Bavuma returns for must-win ODI

WITH the series tilting towards the hosts, the Proteas will look to balance the books by pushing for a series-levelling victory against India in the second ODI at the Shaheed Singh International Stadium in New Raipur today (start 10am.

- OBAKENG MELETSE

TEMBA Bavuma returns from illness as the Proteas aim to level the three-match ODI series against India after falling narrowly short in the opening match.

(BackpagePix)

South Africa were unable to secure the ideal start in the opening ODI this past weekend, falling 17 runs short in a match that tightened considerably in the closing stages.

Despite slipping to 130/5 in pursuit of a demanding 350, the Proteas mounted a spirited fightback, led by Corbin Bosch’s impressive 67, but ultimately fell away — missing on the opportunity to build on their recent 2-0 Test series success.

India entered the three-match ODI series boosted by the return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both of whom missed the Tests, as they now focus solely on the 50-over format.