In his second one-day international, Burger bowled impressively, taking three wickets for 30 runs. Despite half-centuries from Sai Sudharsan (62) and captain KL Rahul (56), India were all out for 211. South Africa’s De Zorzi, playing in his fourth match, scored an unbeaten 119, marking his first international century. South Africa won with 7.3 overs to spare, setting up a series decider in Paarl on Thursday, following India’s eight-wicket victory in the first match in Johannesburg on Sunday. Burger, taking advantage of the well-grassed St George’s Park pitch, played a key role after South African captain Aiden Markram chose to bowl first.

“It was a tough wicket to bat on,” said Rahul. “But a couple of us got set. If one of us could have gone on to make a big hundred and control the innings we could have got 60 runs extra.”

Burger consistently bowled at a steady pace with occasional steep bounces. His fastest delivery reached a speed of 147 km/h.

Openers Sudharsan and Rahul showed sensible batting in a third-wicket partnership of 68. Sudharsan got caught behind by Lizaad Williams on a sharply-lifting ball when the total reached 114.

No other batsman managed to score over 20 runs.

Mukesh Kumar and Arshdeep Singh caused trouble for South Africa’s opening pair, Hendricks and De Zorzi. Hendricks got a lifeline when he was dropped at second slip by Ruturaj Gaikwad off Kumar, but he capitalized on it, scoring 52 in an opening stand of 130 with De Zorzi, significantly contributing to the home team’s victory.

“It was a much better all-round performance,” said Markram. “It was still quite a tough wicket when the openers walked out. To put on a hundred partnership to set the game up was great.”

De Zorzi, the Man of the Match, played aggressively, hitting powerful shots to score runs. He faced 122 balls, striking nine fours and six sixes.