OWN CORRESPONDENT, Vadodara | Friday 9.00am.
SOUTH Africa have posted a strong total of 282/5 in their alotted 50 overs in the fourth one-dayer against India at Vadodara.
Jacques Kallis who was 81 not-out played superbly well, especially after he was responsible for the dismissal of Gary Kirsten (71). Kallis hit some towering sixes off Sunil Joshi, and punished any loose deliveries.
Lance Klusener ended the South African innings on 14 not-out.
Joshi was the best of the Indian bowlers wicket-wise, picking up two wickets for 69 runs in his ten overs, while Anil Kumble was the most economical returning figures of one for 32 in nine overs.
The last South African wicket to fall was that of Dale Benkenstein, who was dismissed for 27 runs, bowled by Javagal Srinath. Benkenstein started shakily against the pinners but soon scored freely and used up only 28 balls for his runs.
At one stage it seemed as if South Africa were slowly eroding their openers’ good work, when they slipped from 100/1 to 199/4 after 39 overs.
Nicky Boje was sent back to the hut for nine runs when he was caught by Joshi at gully off an Anil Kumble delivery that bounced and hit the top-edge.
South Africa lost their skipper earlier when Hansie Cronje was caught by Ajit Agarkar off the bowling of Sunil Joshi when he skied a delivery to mid-on for 26 runs.
India claimed the second wicket of the day when Gary Kirsten (72) was run-out by Sachin Tendulkar after getting into a mix-up with Jacques Kallis, who was guilty of some poor running.
Earlier, the South African openers took the fight straight to India after skipper Hansie Cronje won the toss and elected to bat, scoring freely around the park in a 99-run opening stand.
The partnership came to an end when Herschelle Gibbs was trapped leg-before for 37 by Sunil Joshi.
If South Africa win the match, odds will be even on two matches apiece, and Sunday will play host to a thrilling finale in this best-of-five matches series.