India vs South Africa, 2nd T20I:
The electrifying series saw its second clash in New Chandigarh at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium on Thursday, December 11. Despite aiming high, India fell short as they faced a 51-run defeat, chasing a daunting 214 runs, getting dismissed for 162 in 19.1 overs.
Among the Indian batsmen, only Tilak Varma emerged triumphant, scoring a commendable 62 runs. While for South Africa, Ottniel Bartman led the bowling attack spectacularly, claiming four wickets. This thrilling victory allowed South Africa to balance the series at 1-1. The nail-biting third match is scheduled for December 14 in Dharamshala. Earlier, on December 9, the Indian team had dominated South Africa with a striking 101-run win at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack.
The Tale of Team India's Innings
India faced an early setback with openers struggling; Shubman Gill fell for a duck to Lungi Ngidi. Abhishek Sharma, after scoring 17, was sent back by Marco Jansen, who later also claimed the wicket of the Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav for just 5 runs, leaving India at a mere 32/3. Axar Patel and Tilak Varma then brought stability, adding 35 runs for the fourth wicket. Axar scored at a run-a-ball 21 before Ottniel Bartman terminated his innings.
Tilak, however, stood firm and reached his half-century from 27 deliveries, but lacked support from the other end. Much was expected from Hardik Pandya, but he managed only 20 runs from 23 balls. Jitesh Sharma was next, going out after a promising 27, by Sipamla. Notably, Bartman’s golden arm dealt more blows, dismissing Shivam Dube for 1, Arshdeep Singh for 4, and Varun Chakravarthy for zero. The curtains finally drew with Tilak Varma's unfortunate dismissal by Ngidi; his 34-ball 62 featured two fours and five sixes.
De Kock's Dazzling Display
South Africa batted first after losing the toss and produced a formidable 213 for four. They commenced solidly with Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks putting 38 for the first wicket until Varun Chakravarthy removed Hendricks for 8. De Kock, in partnership with Markram, added crucial runs, crafting an 83-run stand. De Kock’s quick-fired fifty came in just 26 balls, while Markram perished after 29 to Varun.
On course for a century, de Kock got run out due to Jitesh Sharma's quick reflexes. His blistering 90, adorned with seven fours and five sixes, ended. At his exit, South Africa stood poised at 156/3. David Miller and Donovan Ferreira then escalated the score with an unbeaten 53-run partnership in 23 balls, pushing South Africa to a big total. Ferreira clobbered 30* off 16 balls, while Miller added a quick 20 off 12, hitting two boundaries and a six.
The South African lineup saw three changes: Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, and Ottniel Bartman joined the squad, while Anrich Nortje, Tristan Stubbs, and Keshav Maharaj rested. India made no alterations to their playing 11.
India's Playing XI in T20I:
Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, and Arshdeep Singh.
South Africa's Playing XI in T20I:
Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Aiden Markram, Reeza Hendricks, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Ottniel Bartman, Lutho Sipamla, and Lungi Ngidi.
To date, there have been 10 bilateral T20 series between India and South Africa. During this riveting rivalry, India won 5 series, while South Africa claimed 2 series with the remaining 3 ending in draws. Looking back, October 2015 marked India’s last T20 series loss to South Africa. The 11th series between these cricketing giants is now underway.
India vs South Africa (Head-to-Head)
Total T20I matches: 33 Matches won by India: 19 Matches won by South Africa: 13 Matches with no result: 1
India's Squad for T20 Series:
Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, and Washington Sundar.
South Africa's Squad for T20 Series:
Aiden Markram (captain), Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Ottniel Bartman, Corbin Bosch, Anrich Nortje, and Lutho Sipamla.
