Virat Kohli (72 off 52 balls) led India’s charge as they chased down South Africa’s 149-5 to complete a 7-wicket win in the 2nd T20I, writes Khalid Mohidin.
The Proteas bowlers had their work cut out for them after India’s exceptional bowling in the middle-overs saw them reduce South Africa to 149/5.
Quinton de Kock (52 off 37 balls) and Temba Bavuma (49 off 43 balls) were the Proteas’ top scorers, but it was nowhere near good enough to score the 180-plus that was said to be a comfortable total at the Mohali ground.
READ: SOUTH AFRICA SET INDIA 150 TO WIN IN 2ND T20I
India mimicked the Proteas’ quick start. They raced to 30/0 in 3 overs, Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan going after the fast-bowling pair of Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje.
De Kock switched to medium pace and brought in Andile Phehlukwayo (1/20), who struck in his first over to remove Sharma for 12.
Tabraiz Shamsi (1/19) got the Proteas’ second breakthrough thanks to a phenomenal dive at long-on to his right for 40 off 31 balls.
Then Bjorn Fortuin (1/32) took the first wicket of his Proteas career. On debut, the 24-year-old set up Rishabh Pant who picked out Shamsi at short-fine leg. This reduced India to 104/3 in 13.4 overs.
Virat Kohli matched De Kock. He scored his half-century in 41 balls and then continued to take India home.
India completed their win with an over remaining.
Photo: Mike Egerton/PA Wire.
