South Africa has etched its name in the record books following a comprehensive 51-run victory over India in the second T20I at Mullanpur. This win marks a significant milestone, as the Proteas now hold the record for the most T20I victories against India, surpassing previous benchmarks. Despite facing challenging conditions with dew, South Africa showcased a superior performance across all facets of the game, from batting to bowling, to level the five-match series at 1-1.
The Proteas bounced back strongly after a disappointing loss in the first T20I. In Mullanpur, their batting lineup fired, spearheaded by a blistering 90 off 46 balls from Quinton de Kock, setting a formidable total of 213. While some middle-order batters struggled to maintain the momentum, a crucial 63-run partnership from Donovan Ferreira and David Miller ensured a commanding score. India’s bowlers, including Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah, found the going tough, proving expensive under the lights.
Chasing a daunting target, India’s batting unit faltered significantly. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s decision to bowl first, expecting dew to aid his bowlers, backfired spectacularly. The Indian top order collapsed, with Shubman Gill departing on a golden duck and Abhishek Sharma managing only 17. Axar Patel’s unconventional promotion to number three yielded a meager 21 off 21 balls, a stark contrast to modern T20 expectations. Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya also had forgettable outings, further compounding India’s woes.
The only silver lining for India was Tilak Varma’s fighting knock of 62 runs from 34 deliveries. However, he received minimal support, and the team ultimately fell short, demonstrating a clear need for strategic adjustments and improved form ahead of the T20 World Cup. This dominant South African performance underscores their prowess in the shortest format of the game.