Quinton de Kock, Ottneil Baartman shine as South Africa beat India by 51 runs to level series 1-1
IND vs SA 2nd T20I: South Africa leveled the series 1-1 with a dominant 51-run win against India, courtesy of Quinton de Kock’s explosive knock and Ottneil Baartman’s impressive spell. While South Africa put in a clinical all-round performance, India faltered in the chase.
Mullanpur (New Chandigarh) witnessed South Africa’s masterful comeback as they inflicted a comprehensive 51-run defeat on India in the second T20I, leveling the five-match series at 1-1. Victory was achieved by a stunning batting display from veteran opener Quinton de Kock and sealed by clinical, pacey bowling from Ottneil Baartman.
The Proteas, who were thrashed in the first T20I, were desperate for a response and De Kock responded. After India won the toss and elected to field, the left-hander demolished India’s attack and made a dazzling run of 90 off just 46 balls. His innings consisted of five boundaries and seven huge sixes, which pegged South Africa’s daunting total of 213 for 4. Despite a brave effort from mystery returning spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, who claimed 2/29, the rest of the Indian bowlers, especially Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah, had a difficult night.
Facing a mammoth target of 214, India’s chase collapsed almost immediately under the pressure of the required rate and sharp South African fast bowling. The top order collapsed in the Powerplay with openers Shubman Gill (for a golden duck) and Abhishek Sharma and skipper Suryakumar Yadav returning to the pavilion.
While youngster Tilak Varma put up a magnificent single-handed effort, putting up a gutsy half-century (62 off 34 balls), the middle order could find no rhythm against South Africa’s disciplined attack. The innings was effectively wrapped up by excellent bowling from Ottneil Baartman. Using changes of pace and accuracy, the pacer stormed through the lower order, posting career-best figures of 4 for 24 from his four overs.
India were eventually bowled out for 162 in 19.1 overs. The heavy loss marks a sobering reality check for the home team, who won the first match by 101 runs. South Africa’s dominant victory added new excitement to the series and set the stage for a thrilling contest as both teams head towards the third T20I.
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