The second T20I of the four-match series between Suryakumar Yadav-led India and Aiden Markram-led South Africa was hosted at St George’s Park in Gqeberha on Sunday, November 10.
Under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian National Cricket Team lost the match by 3 wickets. The next game between the teams is scheduled for Wednesday, November 13 at SuperSport Park in Centurion.
Also read: Watch: Tilak Varma Hits Big Six, Sends the Ball Out of Gqeberha Stadium in IND vs SA 2nd T20I
India lost the 2nd T20I as the series was tied 1-1
India were invited to bowl first in the match and they failed to post a big score. Openers Sanju Samson (0) and Abhishek Sharma (4) were dismissed early in the innings.
Later, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav (4) also fell short, but Tilak Varma (20) and Axar Patel (27) in partnership kept India in the game.
In the end, Hardik Pandya made a decent contribution of 39 runs off 45 balls which took India to 124 for 6. Notably, India could have added a few more runs but Hardik Pandya kept denying Arshdeep Singh a strike, which ultimately cost the Men. In blue color.
With the ball, Varun Chakravarthy shone with a 5-wicket haul and the rest of the bowlers kept things tight but South Africa eventually crossed the finish line on 19.
You should always return the total amount you have received – Suryakumar Yadav
At the post-match presentation ceremony, Suryakumar Yadav expressed his disappointment with the performance of the Indian batsmen and said a total of 125 or 140 was not ideal. He said:
“You always have to back the total you get. Obviously you don’t want to get 125 or 140 in a T20 game, but I’m proud of the way our boys bowled.”
Suryakumar Yadav further praised Varun Chakravarthy for his exceptional performance with the ball. Also, the Indian captain promised the fans to entertain them in the last two T20Is. Suryakumar Yadav elaborated:
“(Varun Chakaravarthy’s 5-over) In a T20 game someone gets a 5-over defending 125 and in this case, it’s unbelievable. He worked hard on his game and was waiting for this milestone and everyone enjoyed it. Great performance from him, two there’s a game, there’s a lot of entertainment and it’s going to be fun in Jo’burg.”
India won the first T20I comprehensively
India recorded a dominant victory in the first T20I, securing a 61-run victory over South Africa in both the batting and bowling departments.
Sanju Samson set the tone with a scintillating 107 off just 50 balls in the first innings. His knock, studded with seven boundaries and ten remarkable sixes, saw him dominate the South African attack. Backed by Tilak Varma’s quick-fire 33 off 18 balls and Suryakumar Yadav’s 17-ball 21, India posted an impressive 202/8 in 20 overs.
Defending 202, the Indian bowling attack used the pace with early strikes. Arshdeep Singh laid the groundwork for India’s bowlers by dismissing South Africa captain Aiden Markram in the first over.
Spinner Varun Chakravarty emerged as a key figure as he dismantled South Africa’s middle order with 3/25, claiming the crucial wickets of Ryan Rickelton, Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller. Ravi Bishnoi followed suit with an impressive 3/28, breaking the bottom order and the chase was out of reach for the Proteas. In the end, Avesh Khan completed the innings by bowling Keshav Maharaj to end South Africa’s innings on 141.
