Following their 10-2 defeat in the first leg the South Africans were desperate to put up an improved performance against an India side smarting from their own defeat against France yesterday.

South Africa would historically be captained by Bili Ntuli tonight for the first time, the first Black African man to captain the South African side. And it was a delightful start for the South Africans who took the lead when their energy and intensity was rewarded with a penalty corner put away superbly by Dan Bell, his second FIH Pro league goal.

The largest lessons that the South Africans have learnt in the opening week of the FIH Pro League is the importance of execution. And despite not being as impressive in the opening quarter the Indians levelled before the break. The South Africans had showed a far better start than in the opening encounter between the two nations.

The second quarter saw South Africa compete gainfully and really looked to take the take the game to the Indians. But their inexperience at this level showed in an important moment as India were able to capitalise with two quick goals that may very well have taken the wind out of the South African sail just before the half time break.

But in truth it almost appeared to put wind into the hosts sail as the 10 minutes into the second half produced the most scintillating attacking play from South Africa. The hosts however were unable to make the period of domination count, missing a penalty stroke for the second time in two days, striking the crossbar and failing to make a number of shots and circle entries count.

But it was the Indians who broke the South African resolve when a contestable penalty corner was given and converted superbly. The Indians would add another before the end of the third quarter and the South Africans were frustrated at their inability to convert pressure and being caught out on the other end.

Despite Connor Beauchamp getting his debut goal in the final quarter it was all India and the South Africans were poor in the final quarter. The coaching team will be bitterly disappointed after a much better display they showed such a poor performance in the final quarter to be completely moved aside.

Incredibly at the end of the game the South Africans had outshot the Indians but the experienced visitors were the superior team in terms of execution. The hosts had a number of chances to change the destiny of the game but the fine margins at the top level are incredibly tight.

For India it ends the tour on a high, after a shock defeat to France last night. For the South Africans there is not much time to lick the wounds, as they take on the buoyed French on Tuesday night.