 "India have not lost a T20I series since December 2023. Image: AFP")
India once again showed why they are considered the best T20 side in the world as they defeated South Africa by 30 runs in the fifth and final T20I on Friday to clinch the series 3-1. A powerful batting display followed by a stunning bowling comeback ensured India finished the year on a high in Ahmedabad.
Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma were the stars with the bat as India piled up a massive 231 for five after being asked to bat first. Pandya smashed one of the fastest half-centuries ever by an Indian in T20 internationals, reaching his fifty in just 16 balls, while Tilak played a classy knock of 73 to give the innings stability.
India’s innings was set up earlier by Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, who gave the team a flying start. Samson, playing his only match of the series after Shubman Gill was ruled out injured, looked confident and aggressive at the top. He smashed 37 runs before eventually being bowled by a sharp George Linde delivery. Abhishek chipped in with 34 as the pair added 63 runs for the first wicket.
Chasing 232, South Africa got off to a strong start thanks to Quinton de Kock, who looked in terrific touch. He took on Arshdeep Singh in the powerplay and scored freely, hitting boundaries at will. De Kock’s 65 kept South Africa in the game, especially as they reached the halfway stage in a good position.
However, things changed quickly once India struck back. Jasprit Bumrah removed de Kock with a smart return catch in the 11th over. Pandya then dismissed Dewald Brevis, and suddenly the momentum shifted. The real turning point came in the 13th over when Varun Chakravarthy took two wickets in two balls. He trapped Aiden Markram lbw and then bowled Donovan Ferreira with a beauty. From there, South Africa lost control and kept losing wickets at regular intervals.
Quick Reads
View AllFans laud Team India
With this win, India not only sealed another T20I series but also continued their dominant run since 2023. They now have eight consecutive T20I series victories in two years. Fans were full of praise for Indian players and their performances as they flooded social media after the series victory.