South Africa vs India, 2nd T20 — Quinton de Kock 90 as SA level series; India fall short by 51 runs
In a high-octane T20 clash at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium, South Africaposted a mammoth total of 213/4, powered by an explosive 90 from Quinton de Kock. India’s chase never gained momentum despite a fighting fifty from Tilak Varma, and the Proteas won by 51 runs to level the series 1-1. Key moments included a brilliant run-out by Jitesh Sharma to remove de Kock and an incisive four-wicket haul from South Africa’s seamer (Baartman).
Todays Match
Score: South Africa 213/4 (20 overs) vs India 162 (all out).
Top performers:
Full scorecard Here –
| Team | Score | Top contributors |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 213/4 (20.0 overs) | Quinton de Kock 90 (46), Donovan Ferreira (useful late runs), David Miller (finisher) |
| India | 162 all out (20.0 overs) | Tilak Varma 53, Hardik Pandya (brief cameo), others tried in vain |
Match Analysis— how it Goes
Chasing a daunting 214, India’s bowlers were put under severe pressure by a rapid start from South Africa’s openers. Quinton de Kock dominated the innings — timing, placement and brute power combined as he reached 90 off just 46 deliveries, smashing boundaries and clearing the ropes with ease. India’s attempts to choke the run-rate failed at regular intervals and by the end South Africa had posted a T20-class total of 213.
In reply, India showed early cracks. Shubman Gill departed for a duck and Abhishek Sharma’s dismissal further dented India’s chase. The young Tilak Varma counter-attacked brilliantly, blasting a composed fifty to keep India in the hunt for a while. But the Proteas bowlers — backed by excellent fielding and swing at times — picked up regular wickets and never allowed a partnership to blossom. Late cameos were not enough and India fell well short.
Key moments & timeline
- Powerplay masterclass: Quinton de Kock dominated the powerplay, racing to a quick fifty and giving South Africa momentum.
- Run-out drama: De Kock was denied a hundred after a brilliant run-out effort involving Jitesh Sharma, a turning point that briefly lowered the tempo.
- Big finish: Donovan Ferreira and late hitters accelerated to take South Africa past 200.
- Shaky Indian start: Early wickets for India’s chase — Shubman Gill out for a duck — left India reeling.
- Tilak’s fight: Tilak Varma’s fifty (27 balls) was a lone fighting knock that gave India hope mid-chase but lacked support.
- Bowling heroics: South Africa’s seamer (Baartman) produced the decisive four-wicket spell that put India under siege.
Player watch: who made the difference?
Quinton de Kock (South Africa)
The veteran left-hander led from the front. It was a vintage de Kock innings — aggressive, controlled and full of risk-taking that paid off. His 90 powered a 200+ total and put strain on India’s bowling plans early.
Jitesh Sharma (India)
Jitesh Sharma’s presence was notable in the field — he effected a crucial run-out to dismiss de Kock when the South African looked set for a hundred. The involvement shows Jitesh’s growing value in pressure situations.
Tilak Varma (India)
Tilak Varma produced a fighting fifty and gave India the backbone of the chase. His 50+ struck at a brisk rate and kept India in mathematical contention for a while before wickets fell at the other end.
Baartman (South Africa)
The seamer’s four-wicket haul (match-turning scalps) dismantled India’s middle-order plans and tilted the balance back to the visitors.
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Ball-by-ball highlights (selected overs)
- Powerplay (0–6 overs): De Kock and Hendricks gave South Africa a fast start with boundaries and a couple of early sixes, leaving India on the back foot.
- Middle overs (7–14): De Kock continued to find gaps; India’s bowlers leaked boundaries and wides (notably Arshdeep’s wides) which widened the scoreboard.
- Death overs (15–20): Ferreira and Miller added late hitting to push South Africa beyond 200 — Bumrah and others were smacked in the final over for big runs.
- India chase: key overs: Marco Jansen struck with early wickets; India’s top order collapsed and although Tilak Varma fought on, the Proteas bowlers kept taking wickets at crucial times.
Where to watch & how to follow (India viewers)
For viewers in India, the India vs South Africa T20 series is available on the main sports broadcasters and official streaming partners. The live telecast was carried by Star Sports channels and the match stream and highlights were available on JioHotstar / Hotstar and associated OTT partners. International viewers should check local broadcasters (e.g., SuperSport in South Africa, Fox Sports/Kayo in Australia). Always confirm on your local listings for exact channel numbers and streaming access.
Frequently asked (FAQ)
Q: What was the final score?
A: South Africa 213/4 — India 162 all out. South Africa won by 51 runs.
Q: Who top scored?
A: Quinton de Kock top scored for South Africa with 90. Tilak Varma was India’s top scorer in the chase.
Q: Will there be a 3rd T20 and where is it?
A: Yes — this was the 2nd T20 of the series. Refer to the series schedule for the venue and date of the next match (official schedule pages and broadcasters list full fixtures).
What this means for the series
With the series now level, the decider(s) will be high-pressure encounters. India will need to regroup — address bowling discipline in the powerplay/death overs and aim for stronger starts from the top order. South Africa’s batting depth and disciplined bowling will make them a dangerous side in the remaining fixtures. Fans should expect tactical changes and playing-XI shuffle in the next match.
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