World Cup 2015 India v/s South Africa: Seven best bowling performances in India-SA ODIs

The current World Cup fever has gripped cricket fans across the globe. This World Cup jointly hosted by Australia- New Zealand is producing a string of surprises and upsets by minnows, making the 2015 edition of the mega event even more exciting.

In a country where the 'Gentleman's Game' is nothing less than a religion, cricket enthusiasts and fans are happy after Mahendra Singh Dhoni's 'Men in Blue' overcame the first hurdle after beating traditional rivals Pakistan in their opening clash of ICC World Cup 2015 at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday. India beat its nemesis from across the border by 76 runs in a high pressure clash. 

India will now face AB de Villiers-led South Africa in an exciting Pool B clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. South Africa have their highly talented skipper who is a big hitter and his the ability to deliver when it has mattered the most, generating a significant amount of runs. The Proteas have a bunch of crafty players, especially their pace battery. Dale Steyn, the fierce and attacking pacer has the ability to clean up any batting line-up in the world with his accuracy, pace and swing and India have every reason to worry.

Supporting him they have Vernon Philander, Morne Morkel and Imran Tahir who got figures of 3/36 against Zimbabwe in their previous match.

Also lady luck has not favoured India on the previous three occasions they have clashed during the coveted event in 1992, 1999 and 2011 losing by six, four and three wickets respectively. 

India will look to put the previous dismal records behind them and will aim to register a second successive victory, breaking the jinx of being unable to register a win against the Proteas at the World Cup.

We bring to you 7 best bowling performances in India-SA ODIs:

1.  Nov 10, 1991, Eden Gardens, Calcutta. Allan Donald (5/29)

During South Africa's India tour Right-arm fast bowler Allan Donald ran through the Indian batting line-up at Kolkata's iconic Eden Garden ground. After the vistors set a target of 178 runs Donald struck from the first ball.

India were left reeling at one stage for 20/3 having already lost Ravi Shastri, Navjot Sidhu and Sanjay Manjrekar. Donald later on went to claim Sachin Tendulkar and Pravin Amre finishing with figures of 5/29. India eventually won the match by 3 wickets but Donald was adjudged player of the match for his spell which left India bleeding.

2. November 6, 1996, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Anil Kumble (4/25)

In the finals of the Titan Cup India leggie Anil Kumble produced a brilliant 4/25 spell in front of a strong home crowd at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. 

After setting a 221-run target Kumble kept striking at regualr intervals to dismiss Gary Kirsten, Allan Donald, Pat Symcox and Jonty Rhodes. India won the match by 35 runs.

3. September 26, 1999, Gymkhana Club Ground, Nairobi. Sunil Joshi (5/6) 

The Indian left arm spinner demolished the opposition batsmen with dream figures of 5/6 scalping Boeta Dippenaar, Herschelle Gibbs, Hansie Cronje, Shaun Pollock and Jonty Rhodes. With disciplined bowling Joshi managed to bowl out the Proteas for 117 in 48 overs. India won by 8 wickets (with 164 balls remaining).

4. March 27, 2000, Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium. Nantie Hayward (4/31)

In the 5th match of the Coca Cola Cup Nantie Hayward was awarded Player of the match for his bowling figures of 4/31. The right arm bowler got they key wickets of Sourav Ganguly, Robin Singh, Saba Karim and bowler Ajit Agarkar. South Africa won that match by 6 wickets (with 44 balls remaining).

5. October 10, 2001, SuperSport Park, Centurion. Shaun Pollock (5/37)

All-rounder captain Shaun Pollock bowled an effective and brilliant 5/37 spell against visitors India in the third match of the Standard Bank Triangular Tournament. Pollock was instrumental in getting the vital wickets of Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and Shiv Sunder Das.

Despite his good bowling performance India won by 41 runs.

6. March 12, 2011, Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Jamtha, Nagpur. Dale Steyn (5/50)

Dhoni-led India chose to bat setting a target of 297 runs for South Africa in a Group B clash at the World Cup.

Little did India know that Steyn would be their strike bowler creating problems for the Indian batsmen. India got off to a strong start after Virender Sehwag-Sachin Tendulkar partnership flourished and piled up runs. Gautam Gambhir's willow too did the talking, but not before Steyn ended his run. Steyn's fiery burst of five wickets brought the Proteas back in the game. His victims were Gambhir, Yusuf Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Ashish Nehra and Munaf Patel.

South Africa won by 3 wickets (with 2 balls remaining).

7. November 24, 1993, Eden Gardens, Calcutta. Sachin Tendulkar's magical performance in the last over.

Winning the toss India chose to bat and set a 196-run target. 

When Sachin turned the game around! Captain Azharuddin with much risk gave 20-year-old Sachin Tendulkar the final over. In the final over - Tendulkar's first - looking for six, but they managed only three, and De Villiers became the seventh run-out of the game.