South Africa put in a solid bowling performance to reduce India to 134-9 in the third T20I in Bengaluru.
On a chasing track, Virat Kohli opted to bat first after winning the toss.
His reason? “We want to strengthen areas and put ourselves under pressure. Of course, results are always going to be a priority, but we need to push ourselves out of our comfort zone with the World Cup coming up.”
The Proteas managed to capitalize on the decision. Well, not from the get-go, which saw Kagiso Rabada concede 17 runs which included three wides.
Beuran Hendricks, Tabraiz Shamsi and Rabada, however, found a way to dismiss India’s big dogs after the initial rocky start.
Hendricks removed Rohit Sharma (9), Shamsi took out Dhawan (36) and Rabada removed Kohli (9).
Bjorn Fortuin (2-19) continued to show his quality by picking up two wickets in the 13th over to reduce India to 92-5.
Hendricks added a second by dismissing Krunal Pandya(4) and reducing the hosts to 98-6.
India managed to pass the 100-run mark with Jadeja and Hardik aiming to help their side post a competitive total.
The Proteas continued to take wickets, particularly Rabada, who took two wickets and a run out in the final over to finish with figures of 3-39.
Hendricks was also economical finishing with 2-14.
The Proteas restricted India to 134-9 giving them the ideal chance to level the series.
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Photo: Faheem Hussain / Sportzpics for BCCI
