After a thriller in Gqeberha, the series moves to Centurion for the third T20I!
Defending a low total of 124 in a T20I game is tough, but India nearly pulled off a remarkable win in the second T20I against South Africa in Gqeberha. The hero of the night was Varun Chakaravarthy, who produced a stunning spell, taking his first-ever 5-wicket haul in T20Is and almost winning the match for India single-handedly. With the series now finely balanced, the action shifts to Centurion for the third T20I on Wednesday, where India will be aiming to take a crucial lead.
India's innings got off to a rocky start after being asked to bat first. Sanju Samson, in good form, was dismissed for a 3-ball duck, and Abhishek Sharma followed soon after. Suryakumar Yadav couldn't make a significant impact, leaving India at a precarious 15 for 3. Tilak Varma and Axar Patel attempted to stabilize, scoring 20 and 27 respectively, but South Africa's bowlers kept up the pressure with regular breakthroughs. Hardik Pandya provided a steady hand towards the end, scoring an unbeaten 39*, helping India reach a modest total of 124 in their 20 overs.
Despite the low total, India fought back fiercely in the field. Varun Chakravarthy was outstanding, using his variations and googlies to keep South Africa's batters on edge. He claimed five crucial wickets, marking his first-ever 5-wicket haul in T20Is, and gave India a real chance to defend the total. Ravi Bishnoi also bowled a tight spell, taking 1 wicket for just 21 runs in his 4 overs. At one point, India had South Africa on the ropes at 86 for 7, but a vital partnership between Tristan Stubbs and Gerald Coetzee saw the Proteas cross the line.
With the series now level at 1-1 and two games to go, the excitement is ramping up. The upcoming match in Centurion is pivotal, as it could set the stage for a thrilling finale in Johannesburg. India’s only previous T20I at SuperSport Park was back in 2018, resulting in a loss, but they’ll be eager to change the narrative this time. A win here would not only give them their first victory at the venue but also a crucial lead in the series.
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