India is back on track before the World Cup
India’s World Cup trump card Suryakumar Yadav’s mesmerizing 61 runs of 22 deliveries helped India reach a daunting 16 runs win over South Africa in the 2nd match of the 3-match T20 series at Guwahati on Sunday. With amazing form, Indian batters scored the highest total of 237 runs in just three wickets loss. In return, South Africa struggled hard to reach the total, but all the efforts went in vain as they lose the match by 16 runs. Now India takes an unassailable lead in the home series 2-0. Also, this is India’s first T20I series victory against South Africa at home.
By winning the toss, South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma sent India to bat first and the decision favoured India. There was no one to stop the Indian batters as they were all blasting in their way.
The skipper Rohit Sharma was playing his 141st T20 match and started the match by hitting a four to the very first ball to Kagiso Rabada. Then a fast lane was followed by his partner KL Rahul. Rahul has raced to a consecutive half-century in just 24 balls. Rohit also built his innings as he scored 43 runs off 37 balls when he was retired in the tenth over in a 96-run stand with Rahul.
Rahul continued his destructive mode with Virat Kohli but he also went out in the 12th over. The vice-captain came back to his old form and scored 57 runs off 28 deliveries. With his comeback, he has become the player of the match.
Rahul’s stunning knock was just a trailer to the real blast of Suryakumar Yadav in the match.
It was after Rahul’s dismissal; the major partnership begins. Along with Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav started his astonishing performance. Even in the wayward bowling, Suryakumar showcased his 360-degree prowess by hitting shots all around the ground. With his 61 runs off 22 balls, Suryakumar became the fastest Indian batter to get 1000 T20I runs in terms of balls (573) faced.
The man-in-form Suryakumar Yadav once again became India’s hero of the day by scoring 5 sixes and as many boundaries. When Suryakumar departed in the 19th over, Virat Kohli (49 off 28) took an aggressive approach and reached the verge of his half-century before starting the final over.
Dinesh Karthik was on the strike for the last over and he began the over with a four. After the fourth ball, Karthik approached Kohli and offered him the strike to reach his fifty. But Kohli, in a selfless gesture, asked Karthik to finish the innings strongly. The former captain’s selfless act went viral on social media.
Karthik then smashed a six and a single to take India’s score to 237/3. It was India’s fourth-highest total ever in T20Is.
| Score | Opposition | Venue | Year | Result |
| 260/5 | SL | Indore | 2017 | Won |
| 244/4 | WI | Lauderhill | 2016 | Lost |
| 240/3 | WI | Mumbai | 2019 | Won |
| 237/3 | SA | Guwahati | 2022 | Won |
South African bowlers were too expensive in the game, especially Kagiso Rabada, giving away 57 runs in 4 overs. Only Keshav Maharaj remains economical with figures 2-23 in 4 overs.
Chasing a massive 238 runs, South Africa lost 2 early wickets, captain Temba Bavuma and Rilee Rossouw, both in duck. The wicketkeeper batsman Quinton de Kock remained unbeaten in 69 off 48 balls. Aiden Markram added 33 runs off 19 balls. But the unexpected stunning century of David Miller amazed the audience. Miller was unbeaten, scored 106 runs in just 46 balls. Both de Kock and Miller put together a 174-run stand to take South Africa very close to the target. But all of their efforts went in vain as they were stopped at 221 for 3 in 20 overs.
Indian bowlers used the condition well and piled pressure straightaway. Arshdeep Singh got 2 wickets but was not that economical. Chahar was economical and others were decent enough to win the series. With runs secured, India always had the upper hand in the game.
With 2 back-to-back wins, India secured the T20 series against South Africa. Now the third and final match will play on 4th October at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore.
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