Hashim Amla: ODI against India not the greatest game today, but an important one

Hashim Amla pads up during a practice session on Saturday

South Africa have a golden chance to clinch their maiden ODI series win in India today. After winning the T20I series 2-0, the ODI series has been a close contest with both teams putting up a brave fight.

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Hashim Amla pads up during a practice session on Saturday. Pic/Atul Kamble

The last time the South Africans came close to winning a series in India was in 2005-06, but the hosts levelled the series at Wankhede Stadium, the same venue for today's tie, as the series ended 2-2 with the third match in Chennai being abandoned.

The Proteas know what today's deciding tie means to them, but senior player Hashim Amla wants to keep the excitement under check. "It is not the greatest game, but is a very important one for us. It has been a very close and exciting ODI series. We managed to win four games out of six and it is really good going for our side," said Amla on the eve of the clash.

Also read: South Africa snatch 5-run win from India in first ODI

If South Africa win today's clash, it would be their maiden ODI win at the Wankhede in three outings. Amla said past records will not make much of a difference. "I don't know about that, but it does not make much of a difference," said Amla.

The fitness of all-rounder JP Duminy and Morne Morkel has been South Africa's biggest concern. The duo took part in the net session on Saturday, but Amla hinted at Duminy and Morkel not being part of the final.

Zero
Number of ODIs South Africa have won at Wankhede having played three so far