India struck a crucial blow right after a strong innings as Reeza Hendricks fell as South Africa began to stabilize their innings. The bounce went through a moment of sheer athleticism in the deep, instantly lifting the Ahmedabad crowd. It was the kind of wicket that swung the momentum dramatically in India’s favour.
IND vs SA: Shivam Dube’s one-handed stunner ends Reeza Hendricks’ stay
The dismissal came at 6.3 off Varun Chakraborty and it was as much about perfection as it was clever bowling. Varun slowed down the delivery and the ball caught a little on the surface, stopping long enough to rush Riza Hendricks. Hendricks, who wanted to chip the ball over midwicket, mistimed the shot under pressure and failed to get a full shot. Positioned inside the circle, Shivam Dube leapt to the left and threw himself with perfect balance.
With his body fully extended and the momentum taking him sideways, Dube reached out and caught the ball cleanly, completing a spectacular one-handed catch that stunned both the shot and the crowd. It was a high-difficult chance taken with remarkable composure, demonstrating Dube’s improved agility and awareness in the field. Hendricks, who struggled to pinpoint the ball and never looked quite settled, ended his initial stay at the crease by going for 13 off 12 balls. The wicketkeeper reduced South Africa to 69/1 and gave India the opening they needed at a crucial juncture, halting the visitors’ early momentum and underlining how a sharp pitch can have a decisive impact on a T20 contest.
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India tightened their grip after Varun Chakravarthy struck a blow in South Africa’s chase
A scary chase 232South Africa came out with intent, riding on Quinton de Kock’s explosive 65 to get ahead of the pace required at the start of the innings. The opening stand threatened to take the game away from India until a decisive moment in the 7th minute swung the tide. Varun Chakravarty’s slider stayed on Reeza Hendricks and forced a mistimed chip to midwicket, where Shivam Dube took a superb one-handed catch as he moved swiftly to the left.
This wicket disrupted South Africa’s rhythm and opened the floodgates in the middle overs. Varun followed it up with a devastating spell, dismissing Markram, Ferreira and Linden in quick succession, turning a promising chase into a struggle. Jasprit Bumrah’s return tightened the noose as he dismissed de Kock and later Marco Jansen with clinical precision. Despite brief resistance from Brevis and Miller, regular wickets continued to push South Africa behind the curve. At 177/8 in 16.1 overs, the asking rate has gone beyond comfort and India are now maintaining a commanding position needing 55 from 23 balls and tilting the race in their favor towards the end of the match.
