South Africa levelled the T20I series 1-1 with a commanding 51-run victory in New Chandigarh, setting up a thrilling finale to their tour of India. Quinton de Kock’s explosive 90 and Ottneil Baartman’s four-wicket haul proved decisive as the visitors defended 213 despite heavy dew conditions.

The win marked only India’s third defeat in 17 matches this year. More significantly, it was their first loss after winning the toss since January, breaking a remarkable streak that lasted throughout 2024. The Proteas have now pushed India tothe deciders in both the ODI and T20I series after their stunning Test victories earlier in the tour.

De Kock Demolishes Indian Bowling
The veteran wicketkeeper-batter turned back the clock with a masterful 46-ball 90, decorated with seven towering sixes. His assault left India’s bowlers scrambling for answers, particularly Arshdeep Singh, who conceded nine wides in his spell, including seven in a single over.

De Kock’s dominance forced India into defensive bowling patterns. They couldn’t attack his stumps without risking leg-side boundaries, nor could they afford to give him width. The pressure resulted in 15 wides and 13 full-tosses from the Indian bowlers as dew compounded their struggles.

Donovan Ferreira provided the perfect finish with an unbeaten 30 off 16 balls. His assault included two sixes off Jasprit Bumrah in the final over, helping South Africa post an imposing 213/4. Remarkably, Bumrah conceded four sixes in the match – the most he’s ever given up in a T20I.

Proteas Pacers Wreck Indian Chase
Despite the dew-soaked conditionsfavouringg batters, South Africa’s new-ball bowlers struck early and often. Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen produced Test-match quality dismissals, reducing India to 32/3 within four overs. Both openers fell to deliveries that straightened off the seam, finding the outside edge.

Tilak Varma fought a lone battle with a fluent 62 off 34 balls, showcasing his range of strokes against both pace and spin. His innovative shot-making, including a reverse-swept six off George Linde, stood out amid India’s batting collapse.

Baartman sealed India’s fate with a devastating 19th over, claiming three wickets to finish with figures of 4/24. India’s last five wickets tumbled for just five runs as they were bowled out for 162, falling well short of the target.

The series decider heads to Dharamsala for the thrilling finale
The series now heads to Dharamsala for the third T20I, where India face mounting pressure. The venue historically favours chasing sides, with four of five completed night matches won by teams batting second. With South Africa’s confidence soaring and India’s rare vulnerabilities exposed, the stage is set for an explosive conclusion to this captivating tour.India’s last five wickets tumbled for just five runs as they were bowled out for 162, falling well short of the target.

The series decider heads to Dharamsala for the thrilling finale
The series now heads to Dharamsala for the third T20I, where India face mounting pressure. The venue historically favours chasing sides, with four of five completed night matches won by teams batting second. With South Africa’s confidence soaring and India’s rare vulnerabilities exposed, the stage is set for an explosive conclusion to this captivating tour.