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Top five India vs South Africa nailbiters

As India and South Africa are world-class sides in the 50-over format, the fans have witnessed several thrilling encounters between them

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The upcoming three-match ODI series between South Africa and India is all set to start from January 18. As both teams are world-class sides in the 50-over format, the fans have witnessed several thrilling encounters between them. As a matter of fact, several one-day games between the two teams have gone right down to the wire. Today, we shall be taking a look at the top 5 nerve racking India vs South Africa ODIs.

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1) South Africa vs India second ODI (January 15, 2011):

During India's tour of South Africa in 2011, India and South Africa were involved in a nail-biter. After getting bundled for a modest total of 190, it looked like the Smith-led side were all set to chase the total rather easily. However, wickets at regular intervals meant that India were always in the game. An amazing four-fer by Munaf Patel helped India win the game by one run, and level the series by 1-1. However, having said that, the Proteas did go on to win the series.

2) India vs South Africa (Hero Cup semi-final 1993):

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Although this match took place over 29 years ago, it is remembered as one of the best games between the two teams. After winning the toss and electing to bat first, India got to a modest total of 195. Barring Mohammad Azharuddin's 90 and Pravin Amre's 48, none of their batters stepped up. However, a brilliant bowling display by the Asian side saw them restrict the Proteas to 193 and thus, they ended up winning the game by two runs.

3) India vs South Africa first ODI (October 11, 2015):

For a change, the Proteas didn't choke and ended up on the winning side this time around. After a sensational hundred by AB de Villiers in the first innings at Kanpur, the visitors got to 303. Although the hosts did look like chasing the total, they totally lost the plot after Rohit Sharma was dismissed for a brilliant 150. They finally fell short by five runs.

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4) India vs South Africa first ODI (February 21, 2010):

Probably one of the closest encounters of all time, Jaipur witnessed an absolute thriller between India and South Africa during the first ODI in 2010. It was a high-scoring thriller, with close to 400 runs being scored in the game. Significant contributions from India's lower-middle order saw them get to 298 in the first innings. Although the visitors were struggling at 225 for 8, with no batters remaining, Dale Steyn and Wayne Parnell didn’t give up and added 65 runs for the ninth wicket. However, their efforts weren't enough as they fell short of India's target by one run.

5) India vs South Africa 2002 Championship Trophy semi-final (September 25, 2002):

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, the Ganguly-led side put up a fantastic performance during the first innings. Half-centuries by Virender Sehwag and Yuvraj Singh propelled India to 261. The Proteas got off to a flyer with Herschelle Gibbs (116) and Jacques Kallis (97) threatening to take the game away from India. However, Gibbs unfortunately had to retire hurt due to cramps .South Africa were 1-192 when Gibbs retired. Post his departure, South Africa had Africa batting collapse, and ultimately fell short of the target by 10 runs. The fact that this match came during an ICC knockout game made it even more interesting.

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