"That made the difference" - Irfan Pathan picks turning point of IND vs SA 2025 2nd ODI

Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan has opined on the turning point of the second ODI between India and South Africa in Raipur. With the tourists pulling off a four-wicket victory to level the three-match series, Pathan felt the Proteas' tight bowling from overs 39 to 49 stopped India from swelling the total to 370.

India's run-rate ahead of the 36th over was 7.28, with their score standing at 255/2, as a set Ruturaj Gaikwad and Virat Kohli had a platform to build on. However, Kohli and Gaikwad perished for 102 and 105, respectively, in quick succession. Although KL Rahul scored 18 runs off the final over to stay unbeaten on 66, the last 11 overs produced only 74 runs.

Speaking in a recent video on his YouTube channel 'Irfan Pathan,' he lauded Lungi Ngidi for coming back strongly after going a touch expensive initially, but felt that Ravindra Jadeja's 27-ball 24 could also be the difference.

"Aiden Markram batted exceptionally well, as did Temba Bavuma, Matthew Breetzke and Dewald Brevis. The bowling also deserves praise due to the way they pulled India back. The score of 358 could have even been 370 but the way they bowled from overs 39 to 49 - they gave only 55 runs - they pulled things back well. The way Lungi Ngidi started and he finished, it was a big difference. KL Rahul made 18 runs in the final over and his innings was magnificent. But it was crucial how South Africa pulled things back. That made the difference. We spoke in the commentary that the way Ravindra Jadeja batted, India could be in trouble," Pathan said.

The 41-year-old praised Aiden Markram's approach against both spinners and pacers, claiming that it was the perfect plan in those conditions. Pathan elaborated:

"Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh impressed with the new ball. But South Africa’s plan was not to lose more than one wicket with the new ball. Markram played carefully and his approach was clear against the pacers. Markram’s previous three tons had come at the middle order and it was his first as an opener. When the ball came at off-stump, he was standing on the leg stump and tried making room. He stood back to utilize the bounce and used the cut quite well. He struck a four straight down the ground against Washington Sundar and played one off the back foot against Kuldeep Yadav. Even against finger spinners, he played straight. Markram had a plan to play square against pacers and straight against spinners."

Although Markram fell for a single-figure score in Ranchi when South Africa were in pursuit of 350, he took some calculated risks in Ranchi to keep the visitors on track. The right-hander shared a 101-run stand with Temba Bavuma and brought up his ton off only 88 deliveries before being dismissed for 110.

"Dewald Brevis is going to be a big player in the future" - Irfan Pathan

With Dewald Brevis hammering a 34-ball 54 in the massive run-chase, Pathan opined that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be impressed with his form. Pathan reckoned that the youngster's innings was critical as the Proteas needed that momentum to get themselves over the line. In the same video, Pathan said:

"Yashasvi Jaiswal did drop Markram's catch. It happens but better fielding is expected of Jaiswal. Temba Bavuma also played a good hand. The way Breetzke’s career has progressed – seven fifties in 11 matches. He has played all his matches away and shown the ability to play well on different surfaces. India didn’t bowl enough slower deliveries but he is batting exceptionally well. Dewald Brevis is going to be a big player in the future – plays big shots against both spin and pace. CSK will be extremely happy looking at this. He is an excellent addition to South Africa’s ranks. His innings was crucial because of the momentum he provided. The way Corbin Bosch is taking games deep and finishing is praiseworthy."

Reflecting on India's bowling plans, Pathan felt they could have bowled better lengths and that the hosts made avoidable mistakes, given the loss even after scoring over 350 runs.

"The way Kuldeep Yadav was bowling, he was trying too hard and he had to. But he didn’t look threatening, although it might be because the ball was wet. I feel Indian bowlers fought well under tough conditions but losing after scoring 350 runs means India made avoidable mistakes too. Had Jaiswal taken that catch, would it have made a difference? It could have. Bowlers could have bowled better lengths with the older ball and bouncers could have been bowled at head high. I feel if Jadeja had played fast and added some runs, the difference could have been there. The difference was four deliveries in the end. If Jadeja had played those 3-4 shots extra, it would have been better," he concluded.

With the series now leveled, the decider will take place on Saturday, December 6, in Vishakhapatnam.