In a remarkable reversal of fortune, South Africa’s cricket team delivered a commanding performance to defeat India by 51 runs in the second T20 international at New Chandigarh on Thursday. The victory levels the five-match series at 1-1, erasing memories of their disastrous opening match collapse.
After being asked to bat first, the Proteas posted an imposing 213-4, spearheaded by Quinton de Kock’s explosive 90 runs from just 46 deliveries. The opener’s blistering innings featured seven sixes and five boundaries before his dismissal via a precision run-out executed by Indian wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma.
The South African innings gained tremendous momentum in the final stages, accumulating 49 runs across the last three overs. Donovan Ferreira’s unbeaten 30 from 16 balls proved particularly damaging, including two massive sixes against Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah in the final over. David Miller contributed a quickfire 20 not out from 12 deliveries to bolster the total.
India’s response faltered early, finding themselves at 81-4 after ten overs despite Tilak Varma’s valiant 62 from 34 balls. The bowling attack, led by medium-fast bowler Ottneil Baartman’s career-best 4-24, systematically dismantled the Indian batting lineup, restricting the hosts to 162 all out in 19.1 overs.
The match represented a stunning turnaround for South Africa, who made three strategic changes following their record-low 74 all out in the series opener. India maintained an unchanged lineup from their 101-run victory in the first match.
The teams now prepare for Sunday’s crucial third T20 in Dharamsala, with both sides using the series as vital preparation for February’s T20 World Cup in India, where the hosts enter as defending champions after their dramatic final victory over South Africa earlier this year.