Team India thrashed SA by 30 runs in 5th T20I and clinches series
Team India produced a stunning all-round performance to defeat South Africa by 30 runs in the fifth T20 match, clinching the series in style. Brilliant half-centuries from Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya, followed by a magical bowling spell from Varun Chakravarthy, powered India to a memorable victory at the Narendra Modi Stadium, where fans witnessed a run-fest.
After winning the toss, South Africa captain Aiden Markram opted to field first. India got off to a solid start with openers Abhishek Sharma (34) and Sanju Samson (37) laying a strong foundation. Captain Suryakumar Yadav had a brief stay at the crease, but the innings truly came alive when Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya joined forces.
The duo launched a fierce counterattack, dismantling the South African bowling with a flurry of boundaries and sixes. Hardik Pandya played a breathtaking knock, smashing 63 runs off just 25 balls, including five fours and five sixes. Tilak Varma anchored the innings beautifully, scoring 73 runs off 42 balls with ten fours and a six. Their explosive partnership propelled India to a massive total of 231 for 5 in 20 overs.
Chasing a daunting target of 232, South Africa responded positively. Opener Quinton de Kock played a superb innings, scoring 65 off 35 balls, while Dewald Brevis contributed a quick 31, keeping the visitors in the hunt. At one stage, South Africa looked capable of pulling off a remarkable chase.
However, India’s bowlers rose to the occasion at crucial moments. Jasprit Bumrah broke the momentum by dismissing the dangerous de Kock, while Varun Chakravarthy turned the game on its head with a brilliant spell. The mystery spinner picked up four wickets, including two in a single over, ripping through South Africa’s middle order. Bumrah was equally impressive, finishing with figures of 2 for 17 and applying the brakes with disciplined bowling.
In the end, South Africa were restricted to 201 for 8 in their 20 overs, falling short by 30 runs. India’s comprehensive victory sealed the series, highlighting their dominance with both bat and ball in the final match.
After winning the toss, South Africa captain Aiden Markram opted to field first. India got off to a solid start with openers Abhishek Sharma (34) and Sanju Samson (37) laying a strong foundation. Captain Suryakumar Yadav had a brief stay at the crease, but the innings truly came alive when Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya joined forces.
The duo launched a fierce counterattack, dismantling the South African bowling with a flurry of boundaries and sixes. Hardik Pandya played a breathtaking knock, smashing 63 runs off just 25 balls, including five fours and five sixes. Tilak Varma anchored the innings beautifully, scoring 73 runs off 42 balls with ten fours and a six. Their explosive partnership propelled India to a massive total of 231 for 5 in 20 overs.
Chasing a daunting target of 232, South Africa responded positively. Opener Quinton de Kock played a superb innings, scoring 65 off 35 balls, while Dewald Brevis contributed a quick 31, keeping the visitors in the hunt. At one stage, South Africa looked capable of pulling off a remarkable chase.
However, India’s bowlers rose to the occasion at crucial moments. Jasprit Bumrah broke the momentum by dismissing the dangerous de Kock, while Varun Chakravarthy turned the game on its head with a brilliant spell. The mystery spinner picked up four wickets, including two in a single over, ripping through South Africa’s middle order. Bumrah was equally impressive, finishing with figures of 2 for 17 and applying the brakes with disciplined bowling.
In the end, South Africa were restricted to 201 for 8 in their 20 overs, falling short by 30 runs. India’s comprehensive victory sealed the series, highlighting their dominance with both bat and ball in the final match.