source : BCCI
South Africa roared back in the second T20I against India, leveling the series 1-1 with a thrilling three-wicket victory at St George’s Park in Gqeberha. Despite a stunning performance from India’s Varun Chakravarthy, who claimed a five-wicket haul, South Africa held their nerve in the final overs, with Tristan Stubbs and Gerald Coetzee leading them to a dramatic victory.
India’s Batting Woes: A Struggle for Runs
India’s batting innings began with trouble as they were put in to bat by South African captain Aiden Markram. Hardik Pandya’s gritty 39* was the highlight, but the Indian top order was quickly dismantled by the Proteas’ pace attack. South Africa’s bowlers kept India under control, with Marco Jansen bowling a brilliant wicket-maiden to kick off the innings. By the 12th over, India had lost half their side and were languishing at 75 runs.
The middle order never quite recovered from the early blows. India’s innings lacked momentum, and their batsmen found it difficult to break free from the pressure, especially as wickets continued to tumble. Pandya’s steady knock ensured India reached a modest total of 124/6, a score that seemed below par but not necessarily out of reach, considering the fragile nature of the South African batting lineup.
Chakravarthy’s Masterclass: Five Wickets to Rattle South Africa
With just 125 runs to defend, India’s bowlers, particularly Varun Chakravarthy, rose to the occasion. Chakravarthy was on fire, spinning a web around the South African batsmen. His magical spell, which included a slow googly that dismissed key players like Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller, left the Proteas reeling at 66/6. Chakravarthy’s performance was a career-defining moment for him, as he became the first Indian to claim a five-wicket haul in T20 internationals since 2019.
India’s spinners, led by Chakravarthy, were relentless. They squeezed the South African batting, creating constant pressure and forcing the required run rate to climb to an uncomfortable level. At one point, South Africa needed 40 runs from the last five overs, and the game was very much in the balance.
Stubbs and Coetzee: South Africa’s Late Resurgence
Despite the setbacks, South Africa found a hero in young Tristan Stubbs, who kept his composure and played a mature innings to guide his side to victory. His 47* was a match-winning knock that helped turn the tide. With wickets falling around him, Stubbs held firm, showing maturity beyond his years in the high-pressure chase.
Coetzee, known more for his bowling, played a crucial role with the bat, contributing key runs when the match was still in the balance. With South Africa needing 39 runs from 26 balls, Coetzee stepped up, hitting consecutive boundaries off Avesh Khan to relieve the pressure. His fearless strokeplay, combined with Stubbs’ calmness, made all the difference as South Africa edged closer to their target.
In the final stages, Coetzee and Stubbs shared a rapid 42-run partnership, propelling the Proteas to the brink of victory. With 13 runs required from the last 12 balls, South Africa managed to secure the win with an over to spare, leaving India to reflect on missed opportunities.
Varun Chakravarthy: The Unlucky Hero
Although India’s bowlers, particularly Chakravarthy, fought valiantly to defend the low target, the batsmen’s inability to post a bigger score meant that the match was always going to be tough. Chakravarthy’s extraordinary performance, which included dismissals of both Klaasen and Miller, nearly turned the game in India’s favor. Yet, despite his efforts, South Africa’s resolve in the final overs led them to an eventual victory.
The Fast Bowlers’ Impact: Setting the Tone for South Africa
South Africa’s fast bowlers set the tone from the start. Marco Jansen’s aggressive spell gave the Indians no room to settle, and the rest of the attack maintained the pressure. With a disciplined performance in the field, they restricted India to a low total, which proved crucial as the match unfolded. The combination of pace and spin made India’s batting look vulnerable, and it allowed the Proteas to claw back into the game.
Looking Ahead: A Series on a Knife’s Edge
With the series now tied 1-1, the remaining matches promise to be closely contested. South Africa, despite concerns over their captain Markram’s form, will be buoyed by their strong performance and the emergence of players like Stubbs and Coetzee. India, on the other hand, will need to address their batting frailties and find ways to build bigger totals if they are to regain the upper hand in the series.
Final Scorecard:
- India: 124/6 (Hardik Pandya 39*; Peter 1-20, Simelane 1-20)
- South Africa: 128/7 (Tristan Stubbs 47*; Varun Chakravarthy 5-17)
South Africa won by 3 wickets.
