SA took a 1-0 lead in the T20I series against India at St.George’s Park in Gqeberha. Rinku and Surya’s efforts went in vain.
South African opener Reeza Hendricks delivered a stellar performance in a rain-interrupted match that helped the Proteas to have a 1-0 lead in the series. The first T20I between SA and IND was washed out without a ball bowled in Durban. Now, confident South Africa eyes on the third T20I on 15th December.
Earlier in the 2nd T20I, the South African skipper, Aiden Markram won the toss and chose to field first in an overcast condition. India managed to get to 180/7 in 19.3 overs before the rain arrived. With 3 batters down within the powerplay, it was not easy to run the wheels for India. The Indian skipper showed temperance with his bat as he got a balanced partner at the other end. Once again, the rising star Rinku Singh proved his potential on a soil where he had never been before. The young man Rinku got his maiden fifty. Surya’s fifty along with Rinku’s explosive batting propelled India to reach a decent total of 180.
Rain created a cloud of doubt after 19.3 overs. The rain-interrupted match later went on as per the DLS method cutting down the target to 152 in 15 overs. The Proteas displayed their aggressive intent in the first two overs. Both the openers showed no mercy to Indian pacers – Mohammad Siraj and Arshdeep Singh. The Indian skipper was forced to bring a spinner in the third over which proved to be fruitful as SA lost their first wicket as Breetzke. The aggressive opener was dismissed in a run-out when they had 42 on the board. Despite a wicket loss, SA seemed to be ahead of India with a psychological advantage as the openers already treated the Indian bowlers ruthlessly. On the other hand, Reeza showcased some big hits resulting in the bowlers being ineffective.
After one wicket down, the partnership between Reeza Hendricks and the South African skipper went on fearlessly till Mukesh Kumar caught the big fish captain Aiden Markram. Finally, Hendricks’ show came to an end as Kuldeep Yadav dismissed him. As the stage was already set by the previous batters, it was not a difficult task for SA to chase down the remaining total.
Despite wickets coming down, the Proteas kept the scoreboard on without wasting any moment. Every batter contributed to the team and as a result, they clinched a victory at home. All eyes are on the third T20I which will decide the series winner.
Positive notes for India against SA
For Indian fans, the pivotal innings of Rinku Singh is one of the positive sights witnessed on Tuesday in Gqeberha. His maiden fifty will surely boost his confidence in the upcoming matches. An unbeaten 68 off 39 helped India reach 180 runs. A gigantic 100-meter-six left the audience and commentators in awe.
Shamsi’s economical spell
Tabraiz Shamsi’s magical spell conceded only 18 runs with 1 wicket. His bowling performance proved to be a key factor from the Proteas’ perspective. Had he not given such a wonderful spell, Indian batters could have reached 200 or 200-plus runs.
