Team India registered a series-leveling seven-wicket victory over South Africa in the second ODI at JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on Sunday (October 9).

Chasing 279 to win, the Men in Blue lost their openers Shikhar Dhawan (13) and Shubman Gill (28) with just 48 runs on the board. Amid the pressure situation, Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer rose to the occasion, sharing a 161-run stand for the third wicket to put the hosts in the driver’s seat.

While Kishan got out for 93 off 84 balls (4 fours and 7 sixes), Iyer held the one end firmly and stitched an unbroken 73-run partnership with Sanju Samson (30*) to take India over the line in 45.5 overs.

In the process, Shreyas Iyer notched up his second ODI ton and stayed unbeaten on 113 off 111 balls, including 15 fours.

Speaking after winning the Player-of-the-Match award, Iyer said: "I am ecstatic, to be honest. When I went in to bat, I spoke to Ishan and he was in the mindset to take on the bowlers. So we decided to play the ball on merit and see how it goes."

With this victory, India square the series 1-1 and now the decider will be played in Delhi on October 11.

"Tomorrow is a travel day and then day after another match. Motivated for that, let's see what's in store for me and the team," he added.

Shreyas Iyer is playing the role of a vice-captain in this ODI series and he showed great maturity by remaining right till the end.

"I am not someone who changes according to the bowler. I am someone who changes on the instinct. It's not something I try in nets first, I change it in the match itself," he stated.

Earlier in the second ODI, the Proteas won the toss and opted to bat first. Riding on half-centuries from Aiden Markram (79 off 89 balls) and Reeza Hendricks (74 off 76 balls), they posted 278/7 on the board.

Pacer Mohammed Siraj was the stand-out bowler for India, claiming three wickets by conceding 38 runs in his 10 overs.

(With ANI inputs)