In a curtailed 31-overs-a-side game, Dravid chose to utilise the seamer-friendly conditions first up after damp weather had delayed the start.

His decision to field first after winning an important toss paid rich dividends as Agarkar, who made his way back into the side replacing Ishant Sharma, removed Morne van Wyk for a five-ball duck in his first over.

Jacques Kallis, who shaped the Proteas' win in the first game, was Agarkar's second victim when the South African captain was clean bowled also for a duck after playing six deliveries.

Struggling on eight for two, AB de Villers made (15) took the total to 28 before fourth seramer Ganguly had the opener caught behind by Mohendra Singh Dhoni.

Former India captain and medium pacer Ganguly then trapped Jean-Paul Duminy in the first ball to be on a hattrick but Justin Kemp survived the next delivery.

Kemp was on three and Herchelle Gibbs on 16 till filing of this report.

CRICINFO adds: Although the Indians made most of the pitch, there is also expected to be some uneven bounce later on, an aspect which could help the South African bowlers more.

Ramesh Powar made way for Gautam Gambhir, a decision taken keeping in mind the shortened nature of the game. Gambhir had a good knock in the opening game of the tour, against Ireland on this ground, and would be vital during the run-chase later on.

South Africa made two changes as well -- Charl Langeveldt and Thandi Tshabalala making way for Dale Steyn and Justin Kemp. Kallis felt it would be a bowler-friendly match but said he expected it to be so throughout the game.

More than five hours were lost to rain and damp weather before the umpires finally decided to get in a 31-over-a-side contest. The team batting second have managed to prevail in tense finishes on both occasions and India will hope that the trend continues in the decider as well. Kallis and Co, though, will have other ideas.