In the second T20I match of the three-match series, South Africa defeated India by five wickets (DLS method) at St George’s Park in Gqeberha.
South Africa won the toss and opted to field first. The home side had a great start as they got wickets of both Indian openers for a duck. With this, the side got three wickets in total in the powerplay itself. While Team India were good in the middle overs, the Proteas once again made a comeback in the game courtesy of Gerald Coetzee, Tabraiz Shamsi, and others’ extremely fantastic bowling, due to which India were restricted to 180/7 runs in 19.3 overs.
In the chase, Reeza Hendricks (49) was at his best as he showcased some quality shots which included eight fours and one six. Playing at the strike rate of 181, Reeza took away the game from India in the first half of the second innings itself. Skipper Aiden Markram (30) also hit four fours and one six and gave vital support to Hendricks. There were also some important contributions from the likes of Matthew Breetzke (16), David Miller (17), Tristan Stubbs (14*) and Andile Phehlukwayo (10*).
India didn’t get a good start to their innings with the willow but they soon recovered and had a decent outing in the middle overs courtesy of Tilak Varma (29), Suryakumar Yadav (56) and Rinku Singh (68*). Both, SKY and Rinku, stitched a 70-run partnership, which helped them reach 180 runs. Had it not rained, a dry outfield would have helped the visitors massively while defending such a total.
With the ball in the first innings, Gerald Coetzee was at his finest once again as he plucked three wickets. Additionally, Marco Jansen, Lizaad Williams, Tabraiz Shamsi and Markram
For India with the ball, Mukesh Kumar was the only bowler who picked up two wickets tonight. With him, one wicket each was also taken by Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav.
Tabraiz Shamsi was adjudged Player of the Match for his outstanding economical spell. Following this win, SA have taken the lead in the series by 1-0, with one more match to go.
Scorecard:
India: 180/7, Overs 19.3, Rinku Singh 68*, Gerald Coetzee 3/32
South Africa: 154/5, Overs 13.5, Reeza Hendricks 49, Mukesh Kumar 2/34