NEW DELHI: India ended the T20I series against South Africa on a high by winning the fifth and final match and sealing the five-match series 3-1 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday. With this win, India managed to extend their unbeaten streak. They now have a winning streak of 10 consecutive series (including major tournaments).
Since the 4th T20I in Lucknow had to be abandoned early due to heavy fog, everyone wanted to watch a full game and the players were not disappointed at all.India posted a high total of 231 for 5 after South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl. The batting attempt was led by Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya. Tilak played a steady and attacking stroke and scored 73 runs off 42 balls. Hardik provided the late surge with a quick 63 off just 25 balls, hitting five 4s and five 6s. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma also gave India a strong start at the top.Chasing 232, South Africa started well. Quinton de Kock was in good form and attacked the Indian bowlers from the start. South Africa matched India’s powerplay score and stayed in the race. When Dewald Brevis switched to de Kock, the guests got going. The pair played freely and took South Africa to 118 runs at half-time, which in turn put pressure on the Indian side.At this point the game appeared to be even. At this point, India captain Suryakumar Yadav turned to his most trusted bowler: Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah immediately caused a stir by dismissing de Kock with a sharp return catch. This wicket changed the game.South Africa suddenly lost its rhythm. They quickly slipped from 120 to 1 to 135 to 5. The middle order was unable to recover from the collapse. Varun Chakaravarthy compounded South Africa’s woes with an impressive performance, taking four wickets and breaking key partnerships.While Varun took the wickets, Bumrah’s spell stood out in a high-scoring match. He finished his four overs with excellent figures of 2 wickets for just 17 runs and controlled the game when it mattered most.South Africa eventually finished their 20 overs with 201/8, falling 30 runs short of the target.With this win, India won the game by 30 runs and completed the series 3-1. Hardik Pandya, who also took a wicket while bowling, was adjudged man of the match.
