It was a complete performance from the Proteas in Bengaluru, as Quinton de Kock led his side to a nine-wicket win in the 3rd T20I against India, writes Khalid Mohidin.
A solid bowling performance saw them reduce India to 134-9 in 20 overs, with Kagiso Rabada, Beuran Hendricks (2-14), Bjorn Fortuin (2-17) and Tabraiz Shamsi (1-23) sharing the wickets between them.
Hendricks’ addition to the side, in particular, was a revelation, his left-arm swing bowling making it hard for India to score freely.
So was Fortuins contribution opening the bowling and in the middle overs.
This gave South Africa the perfect platform to level the series. All they needed to do is chase well on a chasing friendly track.
READ: SA RESTRICT INDIA TO 134-9
Quinton de Kock produced yet another beautifully-paced innings, showing no signs of captaincy pressure.
With the help of a an improved showing from Reeza Hendricks (26 off 28 balls), South Africa paced themselves to 76-0 in 10 overs.
The following delivery, Hendricks pulled a Hardik Pandya short delivery to Virat Kohli at mid-on. The India skipper took an incredible tumbling catch to send the opener packing.
Temba Bavuma came to the crease, and his elegant attacking approach was clear from the get-go, hitting two fours in six balls.
De Kock brought up his half-century in 38 balls and continued to punish India. He hit a total of six fours and five sixes for his 79 off 52 balls, while Bavuma played a brilliant supporting knock.
Bavuma (27 off 23 balls ) finished the game with a maximum to level the series with a nine-wicket win.
READ: QUINTON DE KOCK LEADS PROTEAS TO STYLISH SERIES LEVELLER
Photo: Deepak Malik / Sportzpics for BCCI
