India capped off a thrilling T20I series, defeating South Africa by 30 runs in the fifth and final match at Ahmedabad to clinch the contest 3-1. A commanding batting display followed by disciplined bowling under pressure ensured the hosts maintained their unbeaten run in the T20I series since December 2023.
Batting first, India piled up an imposing 231/5, putting South Africa under immediate pressure. Tilak Varma provided the platform with a fluent half-century, while Hardik Pandya stole the spotlight with a breathtaking assault at the death. Pandya smashed the second-fastest T20I fifty by an Indian, reaching the milestone in just 16 balls, as India surged past the 230 mark. The late power-back left South Africa with a daunting chase, despite an otherwise disciplined effort in the middle overs.
De Kock Leads Early Charge As South Africa Fight Back
South Africa began the chase with intent, led by an attacking knock from Quinton de Kock. His 65 off 36 balls kept the visitors in the hunt as they crossed 100 inside 10 overs, briefly swinging momentum their way. Dewald Brevis also chipped in with a quickfire cameo, raising hopes of an improbable chase.
However, India’s bowlers stayed composed, waiting for the decisive moment to strike.
Varun Chakravarthy Turns The Game On
The turning point arrived in the middle overs, when Varun Chakravarthy produced a match-defining spell. The mystery spinner removed Aiden Markram and Donovan Ferreira in quick succession and later accounted for George Linde, finishing with four wickets. His double-wicket over derailed South Africa’s momentum and pushed the required run rate beyond reach. More so, Hardik Pandya complemented the effort by removing the dangerous Brevis with a well-disguised slower delivery, further tightening India’s grip on the game.
With South Africa needing a miracle in the final overs, Jasprit Bumrah delivered a masterclass in death bowling. His penultimate over conceded just three runs and included the wicket of Marco Jansen, effectively sealing the contest. Bumrah finished with superb figures of 2/17, while Arshdeep Singh chipped in with timely breakthroughs to keep the pressure firmly on the visitors. South Africa eventually closed on 201/8, falling 30 runs short of the target.
India Marches On With Series Win
The victory not only sealed a 3-1 series triumph but also marked India’s eighth consecutive T20I series win. From explosive batting to calm execution in crunch moments, the hosts ticked most boxes as they head into their next challenge. Attention now shifts to India’s upcoming tour of New Zealand, with the first ODI scheduled for January 11, a series that will also see the return of senior stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, as India look to carry their momentum forward.
