Chakravarthy’s fifer in vain as South Africa defeat India

In an exciting Twenty20 International match at St George’s Park, South Africa pulled off an incredible comeback to defeat India by three wickets, even though Varun Chakravarthy of India took an incredible five wickets.

| Updated: 11 November, 2024 1:18 pm IST

In an exciting Twenty20 International match at St George's Park, South Africa pulled off an incredible comeback to defeat India by three wickets, even though Varun Chakravarthy of India took an incredible five wickets.

NEW DELHI: In an exciting Twenty20 International match at St George’s Park, South Africa pulled off an incredible comeback to defeat India by three wickets, even though Varun Chakravarthy of India took an incredible five wickets.

Indian Cricket Team leaving the ground after the 2nd T20I against South Africa.

With India’s spinners controlling the middle overs, South Africa, chasing a small target of 125, was in serious trouble at 66 for 6. However, Tristan Stubbs, who has been playing brilliantly lately, led his team to victory with a mature knock of 47*. The game was turned around by his combination with Gerald Coetzee, who added 42 runs in only 20 balls after Coetzee chipped in with a crucial 23 from 11 balls.

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South Africa’s top order struggled under duress while pursuing a target that was doable on paper. Chakravarthy’s brilliant bowling destroyed their top order, reducing them to 66 for 6. Aiden Markram, Reeza Hendricks, and David Miller were among the vital wickets he took in his first international five-wicket haul, which put the Proteas in danger of losing. The game hung in the balance as the necessary run rate increased despite his attempts.

Stubbs, however, maintained his poise, identifying openings and skillfully rotating the blow. Coetzee also helped South Africa get closer to victory with a few well-timed boundaries, especially against Avesh Khan. The pair made sure South Africa hit their goal with an over remaining, tying the series at 13 runs off the final 12 balls.

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The tone had already been established by South Africa’s bowlers, who held India to a respectable 124 for 6. The superb performance of South African pacers and spinners suppressed India’s batting, with Hardik Pandya’s 39* being the only noteworthy contribution. India’s problems were exacerbated by David Miller’s spectacular catch to dismiss Tilak Varma, demonstrating how adept the fielding was.