By: Aditya Ahuja
South Africa defeated India by five wickets (DLS method) in the rain-curtailed second T20I to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
India scored 180/7 in 19.3 overs before rain interruption. South Africa, who were given revised target of 152 in 15 overs, chased it down in 13.5 overs.
With this win, South Africa ended India’s three-series winning streak in international cricket.
Opting to bowl first under overcast skies, South Africa capitalised on the conditions, initially reducing India to 6/2 in just 2 overs, dismissing both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill for ducks. However, India showcased resilience, staging a commendable recovery to post 180/7 in 19.3 overs before rain intervened. Suryakumar Yadav’s composed 56 off 36 deliveries and Rinku Singh’s unbeaten 68 off 39 emerged as standout performances with the bat for India.
Chasing a revised target of 152 in 15 overs due to the interruption, South Africa made an aggressive start. Reeza Hendricks led the charge with a quickfire 49 off 27 balls, setting a strong tone. Despite a brief hiccup after losing three wickets in quick succession, including Hendricks and Heinrich Klaasen, the hosts comfortably achieved the target in 13.5 overs without much hassle.
India surprisingly chose to leave out Shreyas Iyer and Ravi Bishnoi from the side, while Ruturaj Gaikwad also missed out due to illness.
The third and the final T20I of the series will be played on December 14 at Johannesburg.
India and South Africa will also lock horns in three ODIs and two Tests.
