South Africa posted a competitive score of 213/4 against India in the second T20I at New Chandigarh on Wednesday, with Quinton de Kock leading a spirited batting display after India elected to bowl first following their comprehensive victory in the opening match. De Kock started very well and his 51 came from just 26 balls, showing remarkable strokeplay in the powerplay.
South Africa reached 90-1 at the halfway stage with de Kock unbeaten on 62 from 31 deliveries, maintaining a healthy run rate of nine runs per over. Following the drinks break, de Kock continued his assault with another six before Arshdeep lost his mark and bowled seven wides in an over which made coach Gambhir furious.
A magnificent innings from de kock concluded on 90(46) in the
16th over when Jitesh Sharma’s sharp run-out. Brevis followed shortly after, caught by Tilak Varma for 14. Miller and Ferreira finished very well as they reached 214. South Africa struck 15 sixes during their innings, with Arshdeep Singh particularly expensive, conceding 54 runs from four over and going wicket-less.
India’s chase of 214 began as bad as possible with Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma falling inside two overs, putting immense pressure on skipper Suryakumar Yadav and the middle order. In a surprising move, Axar Patel walked in at No. 3 but that did not work out as he struggled. Surya was dismissed cheaply for 5 as India were in a big trouble with 32/3.
Tilak Varma was the lone warrior scoring 62 of 34 balls but it was a struggle for the rest of them as India were bowled out for 162. Baartman picked up four wickets while Jansen, Ngidi and Sipamla picked two wicket easch. South Africa won the match by 51 runs and level the series 1-1. Quinton De Kock was the player of the match. Both teams will now travel to Dharamshala for the next match.
