World Cup 2015, India v/s South Africa : Player Ratings post India's 130-run win at Melbourne

Player ratings- India vs. South Africa

 

India:

RG Sharma - 1/5

Was unfortunately dismissed by a run out. He was itching to get a good start this time around.  But Duminy’s spectacular stop of Dhawan’s shot at covers, gave A.B, the perfect chance to take aim, and he hit the stumps directly. Sharma was well short of the crease. 

S Dhawan - 5/5

Shikhar Dhawan was smoking the ball to all parts of the ground. His attacking stroke play during Steyn’s second spell was a sight to watch. Scored an impeccable one thirty seven, to top his highest score ever in an ODI. Luck did eventually favour the brave as he was dropped by Amla on fifty two. 

V Kohli - 3/5

Virat was in his element. It looked like his role was to basically anchor the innings this time around. He was pretty successful in doing so, as he notched up a swift forty-six of sixty balls. His stinging pull shot was impressively caught by Faf at short mid-wicket. 

AM Rahane - 5/5

It wouldn’t be pushing it, if one said that Rahane’s innings was as if not even more important than Dhawan’s. He played much more than a second fiddle to Dhawan, as he kept the foot on the accelerator during the batting power play. Scored seventy nine  at a strike rate of 131.66

SK Raina - 2/5

He tried to continue where Dhawan left off, but to no avail as he was dismissed for six.However by the time he was dismissed, India was already in sight of 300. Was dismissed by a short pitched delivery.

MS Dhoni - 4/5

The captain will be ecstatic with back to back wins against staunch opponents. The master tactician used his bowlers again to perfection. His decision to bring in Ashwin at the thirty over mark proved to be vital. He marshalled his troops well to register their first victory against South Africa in World Cups.

RA Jadeja - 3/5

Mixed day in the office for Sir Jadeja. Was at the end of another direct hit from AB. He managed to score only two. But did keep it tight with the bowl giving away just thirty-seven runs in eight overs and picked up the final wicket as well.

R Ashwin - 4/5

Ashwin put in his best performance of the World Cup so far. Prior to this match, he had picked up only a single wicket against the Proteas. The man from Chennai was intent on changing that as he picked up three vital wickets in the mid juncture of South Africa’s innings. Maintained an impressive economy rate of 4.10 in his ten overs.

Mohammed Shami - 4/5

Shami continues to shine at this World Cup. He seems to be Dhoni’s go to man as he picked up another couple today. Dismissed the dangerous de Knock early in the innings. 3.75- His economy rate in eight overs.  

UT Yadav - 2/5

Wasn’t really able to make an impact with the ball. 

MM Sharma - 3/5

Medium pacer Sharma played a vital role in breaking down South Africa’s middle order as he picked up two wickets. Just when things were looking better for South Africa, he dismissed du Plessis at a crucial stage in the innings. 

 

South Africa:

HM Amla - 2/5

Bad day in the office for Amla. Dropped Dhawan and also failed to give his side the much needed start they were looking for. Was dismissed for twenty-two by Sharma. 

Q de Kock - 1/5

A rare poor performance from de Knock. Prior to this, his average against the Indian’s was a whopping 114. Was dismissed early on for seven

F du Plessis - 3/5

Played the right shot for the wrong ball. He was the only one who was striking the ball well for the Proteas. Managed to score a fifty. Was trying very hard to get their innings going, and did manage to give his side an opening in the game. But wasn’t helped by his team mates.

AB de Villiers - 3/5

The captain was flawless with his fielding. Hit the stumps directly twice to dismiss Jadeja and Sharma. He was given a taste of his own medicine as he too was run out. Mohit Sharma’s flat throw meant that he was a couple of inches short of the crease.

DA Miller - 2/5

Tried to take on Umesh Yadav in the field, but the pacers excellent throw caught the South Africans by surprise as he too was run out for just twenty-two

JP Duminy - 1/5

A poorly executed reverse sweep saw the left hander being dismissed for just six.

WD Parnell - 1/5

Parnell was South Africa’s most expensive bowler. He gave away eighty-five runs in his nine overs. Just wasn’t able to get his line and length right

VD Philander - 1/5

The all-rounder was given just four overs to bowl by his captain. To make it worse, he was dismissed for a duck.

DW Steyn - 3/5

At a time when India looked like getting 330 plus, he made sure to restrict them to 307. His quick ones at the end of the innings, kept the Indian batsmen in check. Sadly, he wasn’t supported at the other end by Parnell and co. 

M Morkel - 2/5

Although he picked up two wickets, the damage had already been inflicted by the Indians by then. 

Imran Tahir - 3/5

Looked the best among the bowlers. Gave away just forty eight in his ten overs and dismissed Kohli as well.