South Africa vs India: What is a Pink ODI?
South African cricket team will don pink jerseys for the 4th ODI against India in Johannesburg. This ODI also assumes additional significance, since it is a must-win match for the hosts, who are already 3-0 down in the 6-match ODI series. Here is everything to know about the history of 'Pink ODI' and its significance in South Africa .
'Pink Day' in South Africa
Pink Day in South Africa is being celebrated since 2011, in a bid to increase breast cancer awareness. To show their support for the cause, South African team wears pink jerseys in place of the traditional green. They first played in pink in 2011, on day three of the second Test against Australia. The first Pink ODI, however, was played in 2013 against Pakistan.
Proteas have an impeccable 'Pink ODI' record
South Africa hold 5-0 unbeaten record in the 'Pink ODI' history so far. They won all their Pink ODIs against Pakistan (2013), India (2013), West Indies (2015), England (2016), and Sri Lanka (2017). Proteas defeated India in their only Pink ODI encounter in 2013, by 141 runs. The organisers, this year, are hoping to raise more than 1 million Rand via 'Pink ODI'.
ABD's love affair with Pink ODI
AB de Villiers, who was missing in action for the first three ODIs against India, is set to return to the South African team for the Pink ODI. AB de Villiers has a smashing Pink ODI record, which includes his 149 off 44 ball knock against West Indies in 2015, setting the record for fastest ODI century of all time.
Pink Test in Australia
Similar to Pink ODI, Cricket Australia in partnership with McGrath Foundation for breast cancer support, celebrates Sydney 'Pink Test' every January since 2009.
