In the second T20I of the South Africa tour of India 2025, South Africa defeated India by 51 runs at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur in New Chandigarh.
India won the toss and asked SA to bat first. Quinton de Kock (90) was in incredible form, smashing an incredible fifty, which combined precise ball-striking. De Kock maintained a high scoring rate throughout the powerplay despite losing Reeza Hendricks early. By the 12th over, the Proteas were comfortably at 121/2 owing to his partnerships with Aiden Markram and Dewald Brevis, who made sure the momentum never faltered. Donovan Ferreira (30) and David Miller (20) delivered the decisive kick in the last stage, raising the total to an enormous 213/4.
In the chase, Shubman Gill was out for a duck, and Abhishek Sharma followed shortly after, leaving India at 19/2 in under two overs. Suryakumar Yadav‘s brief stay exacerbated the situation, driving India deeper into difficulties at 32/3. Tilak Varma (62) provided India’s only fightback with a stunning counter-attacking knock, which kept the team alive. Jitesh Sharma also contributed a quick 27 runs, but the innings fell quickly after they left. India were bowled out for 162, far short of their target.
While defending, Ottneil Baartman bowled the best spell of the match, taking 4/24 with excellent execution at both ends of the innings. Marco Jansen also took two wickets, delivering significant early blows, removing Abhishek and Suryakumar, while Lungi Ngidi eliminated Gill and Tilak at crucial times. Sipamla’s middle-overs pressure also helped to stall India’s momentum.
India found it difficult to control the flow of run. Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh both frequently gave up boundaries, giving up 45 and 54 runs, respectively. Varun Chakaravarthy, who bowled with control and variety and finished with 2/29, removing Hendricks and Markram, was the only bright light. Axar Patel contributed by taking Brevis out.
With this win, SA have levelled the series 1-1, with three more games to go.
Scorecard:
South Africa: 213-4, Overs 20, Quinton de Kock 90, Varun Chakaravarthy 2/29
India: 162-10, Overs 19.1, Tilak Varma 62, Ottneil Baartman 4/24
