South Africa defeated India by 5 wickets in the rain-affected second T20I of the three-match series. The match was played at St. George’s Park in Gqeberha on Tuesday, December 12, 2023. The Proteas skipper Aiden Markram won the toss and decided to bowl first. Batting first, India managed to get a total of 180 runs for the loss of 7 wickets on the board in the allotted 20 overs.
Speaking of India’s batting, they faced early blows after losing both openers just at the team’s score of 6 runs in 2 overs. But then came a crucial 50-run partnership between number 3 batter Tilak Varma and skipper Suryakumar Yadav before the former got dismissed at the individual score of 29 runs.
Later, skipper Suryakumar Yadav and young Indian batting sensation, Rinku Singh stitched an all-important partnership of 70 runs for the fourth wicket. Both the batters scored half-centuries as Rinku scored 68 runs off just 39 balls, hitting 9 fours and 2 sixes, alongside Suryakumar Yadav’s 56 runs off just 36 balls, with 5 fours and 3 sixes.
Later in the end, senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja also scored a crucial 19 runs to help India reach a total of 180 runs. Gerald Coetzee picked three scalps for South Africa, alongside one wicket each claimed by all other bowlers except Andile Phehlukwayo.
However, the rain interruption forced the officials to revise the target as per the DLS method. So, the hosts South Africa were given the target of 152 runs in the second innings, which was reduced to 15 overs.
South African batters rip apart Indian bowling to reach target
While chasing the target, South Africa comfortably crossed the winning line in 13.5 overs, scoring 154 runs for the loss of 5 wickets and won the match by 5 wickets. Opener Reeza Hendricks played a match-defining knock of 49 runs off just 27 balls, hitting 8 fours and a six on his credit. Other than him, skipper Aiden Markram also scored 30 runs off 17 balls to help his side reach the target.
Mukesh Kumar scalped 2 wickets for the visitors, alongside one wicket each bagged by Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav. Star Proteas spinner Tabraiz Shamsi won the ‘Player of the Match award for his brilliant bowling in the first innings.
Here’s how fans reacted to India’s defeat in the second T20I against South Africa:
Just see home advantage before and now. Both are well and strong. #INDvSA
— Satya Marriwada (@satyamarriwada) December 12, 2023
SOUTH AFRICA DEFEATED INDIA BY 5 WICKETS...!!!! What a run by Proteas!#INDvsSA #INDvSA #SAvIND #INDvPAK #SuryakumarYadav #ShubmanGill #YashasviJaiswal
— Rupesh Suthar (@RupeshSuthar07) December 12, 2023
Moye Moye ho gaya ye toh
— Umesh Sharma (@sharmaspeaks7) December 12, 2023
#INDvSA pic.twitter.com/07ivKqFotw
Apart from Rinku Singh and Bishnoi there is no one who excite me in this squad.
— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) December 12, 2023
The India team really needs to find some very good players otherwise once Kohli and Rohit will retire,people will find it difficult to watch the match as well.#Iyer #SuryakumarYadav #INDvSA… pic.twitter.com/ZMesdvmMSZ
South Africa won by 5 wkt against india in 2nd T20✌🔥#INDvSA #ShubmanGill #SAvsIND pic.twitter.com/S8bg3HUrta
— Umer PCT Lover (@Umertweets7) December 12, 2023
Hope ICT realizes before it's too late , you CANNOT win with 5 bowlers. Arshdeep is very poor. Jadeja is not a good T20 bowler. #INDvSA
— Devesh Bhagat (@deveshb) December 12, 2023
Seniority is a big issue with Indian workforce. Someone tell them their obligation is to win, not to avoid upsetting seniors!#INDvSA
— Anish Sah (@sah_anish) December 12, 2023
Player of the Match is Tabraiz Shamsi for his figures of 4-0-18-1
— Niche Sports (@Niche_Sports) December 12, 2023
"To be able to deliver under pressure against India was pleasing. He is a wonderful player and he has shown that again today."#SAvIND #INDvSA #CricketTwitter
Most 50+ Scores for India in Losing Cause (T20I)
— Ashish kumar (@ashuisbad) December 12, 2023
11 times - Kohli
5 times - Surya*
4 times - Rohit#INDvSA #SAvIND
Good game today. Special appreciation for Rinku Singh. Lot to achieve this tour #INDvSA #SAvsIND #Rinku #BCCI
— neal (@niladrich) December 12, 2023
Just curious 🚨
— YUVRAJ (@Yuvraj_xd) December 12, 2023
What have gone wrong with ARSHEEP SINGH'S bowling what mistakes is he doing or is he just unlucky ?? #INDvSA #PBKS