Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma pounded South Africa with blitzkrieg knocks to power India’s solid total in Ahmedabad.
In a fitting finale to a thrilling series, India clinched the T20I contest against South Africa with a commanding 30-run victory in the fifth and deciding match. Powered by explosive half-centuries from Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma, India posted a formidable 231 for 5, a total that ultimately proved beyond the hosts’ reach despite a valiant chase.
After being asked to bat first, India’s innings was built on two blistering partnerships. Openers Sanju Samson (37 off 22) and Abhishek Sharma (34 off 21) provided a fiery start, racing to 63 in just 5.4 overs. The momentum was seamlessly carried forward by Tilak Varma, who anchored the middle order with a beautifully crafted 73 from just 42 deliveries, striking 10 fours and a six.
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However, the true carnage was unleashed by Hardik Pandya. The all-rounder played a breathtaking knock, smashing 63 runs off a mere 25 balls, including 5 boundaries and 5 colossal sixes, at a staggering strike rate of 252.
South Africa Tries, But Falters
In response, South Africa launched a fierce assault of their own. Quinton de Kock led the charge with a powerful 65 off 35 balls, ensuring the Proteas kept pace with the demanding required rate. He found support from Dewald Brevis (31 off 17), and at 120 for 2 in the 11th over, the game was tantalizingly poised.
But the turning point came with the introduction of wrist-spinner Varun Chakaravarthy. He orchestrated a crucial middle-order collapse, claiming four vital wickets for 53 runs. He dismissed Reeza Hendricks (13), skipper Aiden Markram (6), Donovan Ferreira for a golden duck, and the dangerous George Linde (16).
While Marco Jansen (14 off 5) provided late fireworks, the regular loss of wickets derailed the chase. Jasprit Bumrah applied the brakes expertly in the death overs, conceding just 17 runs and taking two wickets, including the pivotal one of de Kock. South Africa finished their 20 overs at 201 for 8, falling short by 30 runs.
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