Sai Sudharsan and KL Rahul hit half-centuries before India were bowled out for 211 in the second one-day international against South Africa at St George’s Park on Tuesday.
Left-arm fast bowler Nandre Burger, in his third international match, less than a week after making his debut, took three for 30.
South Africa, seeking to bounce back after a crushing eight-wicket defeat in the first match in Johannesburg on Sunday, made first use of an unusually well-grassed St George’s Park pitch when they sent India in to bat.
The strongly-built Burger, 28, struck with the second ball of the match when he trapped Ruturaj Gaikwad leg before wicket for four.
He generated consistent pace and occasional steep bounce. His fastest delivery was timed at 147kmh.
But opening batsman Sudharsan (62) and captain Rahul (56) batted sensibly in a third-wicket stand of 68 before Sudharsan was caught behind off a sharply-lifting ball from Lizaad Williams with the total on 114.
No other batsman could reach 20 as South Africa applied constant pressure.
The tall Sudharsan, 22, followed up his unbeaten 55 on debut in Johannesburg with another impressive innings, hitting seven fours and a six while facing 83 balls.
Brief scores:
India 211 in 46.2 overs (S. Sudharsan 61, KL Rahul 56; N. Burger 3-30, B. Hendricks 2-34, K. Maharaj 2-51)
Match situation: South Africa need 212 runs to win
Toss: South Africa
