QDK’s Belligerent Approach Provided SA With a Solid Platform
Unlike the 2nd T20I, Quinton De Kock had no intentions of hanging around this time. He whipped Siraj for a maximum in the 2nd over and didn’t look back afterward. De Kock had raced off to 25* off 17 in the 4th over courtesy of the two boundaries and two sixes.
On the other hand, Bavuma’s lean run continued as he fell for 3 runs off 8 balls by gifting a dolly to Rohit. Rossouw came in and announced himself on the crease with a couple of cracking boundaries. They were followed by a six against Ashwin in the next over as South Africa finished the powerplay at 48 for 1.
Glittering Display of Power Hitting In the Middle Overs
The two southpaws then decided to make a move with a flurry of boundaries. The score doubled in the next four overs. QDK brought up his half-century with a six-over deep mid-wicket in the 10th over.
The drinks break at the halfway stage only made it more challenging for the bowlers as the 11th over of the innings went for 18 runs. A run-out in the 13th over provided India with a much-needed breakthrough as De Kock’s valiant knock of 68 runs came to an end. Tristian Stubbs was promoted up the order and almost went back first ball.
DK failed to hold on to a tough chance at short cover, giving the young South African a second life. The dropped chance started to prove costly as Stubbs smashed a 4 and 6 in the next 3 balls he faced. Rossouw’s marathon knock had lifted the Proteas to 169 for 2 at the end of 16 overs.
A Powerful Finish Set Up an Enormous Total
With 24 balls left in the 1st innings, SA were all set to post a huge total on the board. Stubbs struggled to get the middle of the bat, but Rossouw kept plundering the boundaries. He eventually brought up his maiden T20I hundred of just 48 balls.
Stubbs lobbed an easy catch to short third man in the final over. Miller arrived at the crease and clubbed three 6s of the five balls he faced. SA ended their innings at 227 for 3 as the last four overs went for 57 runs.
Scratchy Start In the Chase
In response to South Africa’s massive score, Indians were dealt massive blows early. Rohit dragged on the 2nd delivery of the Indian innings, and Shreyas was given LBW on a nip backer in the 2nd over. Pant hammered Ngidi for 20 runs in his first over but also got out on the last ball of the same over.
Dinesh Karthik brought India back into the game with a breezy cameo of 46(21). He lost his stumps while attempting a switch hit of Maharaj, and India were reduced to 78 for 4 after seven overs. Surya followed him back to the pavilion in the next over, and Indian’s hopes of a whitewash were hanging by a thread now.
Proteas Bowlers Run Through the Indian Batting
India needed 144 off the last 60 balls to make it happen, and all their recognized batters were dismissed.
Ngidi got Harshal caught at long-on in the 11th over to dent their progress further. The following two overs brought two more wickets, and now it was just a matter of time before SA sealed their first win on tour. India’s tail took them to 178, but they fell short by 49 runs in the end.
What’s Coming Up Next?
Both teams will face each other in the first ODI on Friday, the 6th of October. The game will commence at 1:30 pm local time.
