India’s unbeaten streak of 11 T20Is ended with a 3-wicket defeat against South Africa in a thriller on Sunday. The visitors were defending 125 when Varun Chakravarthy’s magical spell put the Proteas on the back. However, some late fireworks from Gerald Coetzee and Tristan Stubbs guided the Proteas home with 3 wickets in hands and 6 balls to spare. South Africa, thus, levelled the series 1-1 with 2 more matches to go.
Chakravarthy registered his best bowling figures in T20Is – 5 for 17 in 4 overs which was also his maiden fifer in the shortest format of the game. The numbers were also the best for a bowler from a Full Member nation that ended in a defeat in T20Is.
India skipper Suryakumar Yadav praised Chakravarthy for his astonishing performance in Gqeberha.
“In a T20, someone getting a five-for while defending 125 is incredible. Varun has been waiting for this for a long time, working hard on his bowling, and everyone enjoyed it,” Suryakumar said during the post-match presentation.
India still have a chance to conquer South Africa as 2 more matches are left in the tour. The visiting captain hoped for a comeback in the upcoming fixture in Johannesburg.
“You always have to back whatever total you get. Of course, in a T20 game you don’t wanna get 120, but proud of the way we bowled. Two games to go, lot of entertainment left. 1-1 going into Jo’burg gonna be a lot of fun,” Suryakumar said.
South Africa captain Aiden Markram lauded the bowlers for their excellent execution of plans.
“I thought we bowled really well, some really good plans and our bowlers executed really well,” he said.
