A pulsating contest in Ahmedabad brought about a comfortable T20I series victory for India, as the visitors’ chase gradually fizzled out in the second half.
The Proteas opted to field first, but that decision would soon be one to rethink. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma got off to a canter of a start, and even though Lungi Ngidi bowled tightly, Marco Jansen and Ottneil Baartman both went for plenty.
Corbin Bosch finally brought about a breakthrough when Abhishek nicked off, but that was only temporary solace. Tilak Varma came in and stroked four boundaries in his first 10 deliveries. But the introduction of George Linde gave SA another inroad, as he got one to turn viciously to dismiss Samson.
Bosch had his second when the out-of-form Indian captain, Suryakumar Yadav, fell cheaply yet again. But that was that for the Proteas bowlers.
Hardik Pandya put on a big-hitting masterclass, as he notched up a clinical 16-ball 50. And Tilak kept the ball rolling as well, reaching his milestone in 30 deliveries.
Even though they managed to pull things back only slightly in the final over, serious damage was already dealt. And it would require some serious chasing to boot.
But the game was far from done at halftime. Quinton de Kock was off to his merry ways as per usual, while Reeza Hendricks sat back and gave the left-hander the lion’s share of the strike during the Powerplay.
SA were staying toe to toe with India’s total throughout the first 8 overs, but Hendricks gave an easy catch to short midwicket to provide the first opening for the hosts.
It was only after the break when things began slipping dramatically. Dewald Brevis was putting the pedal to the metal, but Jasprit Bumrah took a sharp caught-and-bowled to dismiss de Kock. And when Hardik Pandya had Brevis holing out to deep midwicket, that would open the floodgates.
Varun Chakaravarthy was the star of the show for India, as he took 4 wickets in total. Two wickets in two deliveries in the 13th over severely derailed the chase, and the Proteas were unable to recover thereafter.
George Linde and Marco Jansen struck a few big hits to keep the situation interesting, but both their dismissals happened shortly afterward. From that point on, it was a mere formality, as India marched towards a straightforward win.
All things considered, India have shown that they have all the ingredients to add to their ICC trophy cabinet, while the Proteas are left with a few points to ponder in spite of a handful of moments of brilliance.
IND 231/5 in 20 overs (Tilak 72*, Hardik 63 – Bosch 3-0-44-2)
SA 201/8 in 20 overs (de Kock 65, Brevis 31 – Chakaravarthy 4-0-53-4, Bumrah 4-0-17-2)