5 crucial moments from the India vs South Africa T20I

In the second T20I, in which India started as clear favorites, South Africa pulled off a stunning victory, winning quite comprehensively in the end. South Africa defeated India by 6 wickets and came back to winning ways at the SuperSport Park, courtesy brilliant knocks from Klaasen and JP Duminy who took charge of their team’s fortune and ended their streak of losses in the limited over matches.

After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, South Africa got a target of 189 runs with the Indian middle order coming to the forefront after much speculation. With a win in South Africa’s tally, the series is levelled at 1-1 with one match to go which will be the series decider.

Good performances from both the side meant there were plenty of ups and downs in the match, let us have a look at the 5 crucial moments in the India vs South Africa T20I:

1) Bowlers provide the perfect start

Junior Dala has dismissed Rohit Sharma twice in as many T20 matches

After winning the toss and electing to field first, Chris Morris and J Dala provided the perfect start for the Proteas. While Shikhar Dhawan survived a lbw decision first ball, courtesy the Decision Review System there wasn’t much that he could have done in that splendid first over, with Morris being spot on with his line and length.

In fact, after the first 7 balls of the Indian innings the scorecard read India 0/1, India losing Rohit Sharma in the very first ball of the second over. Dala got Rohit plumb in front of the stumps, claiming his wicket twice in as many matches in the series. Two out of the Indian quota of 20 overs were maidens, one each from Morris and Dala. Although Morris struggled later, Dala, was the pick of the bowlers going for 28 in his 4 overs and picking up 2 important wickets of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

2) Pandey- MS finish off in style

MS Dhoni scored 52* of just 28 balls

The Indian middle order did take up the challenge and gave India the perfect finish. After being 4 down in the 11th over itself, it was crucial that Manish Pandey and MS Dhoni stay there at the wicket but at the same time take the attack to the opposition.

While Manish Pandey led the attack in the beginning, MS Dhoni came to his own towards the fag end of the innings. Both of them scored crucial half centuries, Manish Pandey scored 79 of 48 deliveries eventually and MS Dhoni brought up only his second T20I half century in the last over making 52 of 28 balls, both of them remained unbeaten till the end adding 98 runs after Suresh Raina’s dismissal.

3) India strike early but rain spices up the scenario

Shardul dismissed RR Hendricks within the power play in the second T20I

India dismissed both the opners within the first 6 overs for under 40 runs. But then the rain threat made every over seem like a last over, as South Africa had to ensure that they reach the Duckworth Lewis (DLS) par score and India had to restrict them from achieving just that. With the wet ball, it was obvious that Yuzvendra Chahal would find it extremely difficult to bowl his quota of 4 overs and when he came in to bowl, in his first over itself South Africa managed to go ahead of the DLS target, but the rain stopped completely just at that time.

4) Klaasen's innings turns the balance

Klaasen's innings turned the balance of the match in South Africa's favor

Heinrich Klaasen scared India with his unbelievable cricketing strokes ranging from classical shots to the unorthodox reverse hit. Klaasen hit the Indian bowlers all around the park taking a special liking to the leg spinner Chahal, who had a bad day going for over 64 runs in his 4 overs.

Just when it looked like Klaasen would finish the game and keep the series alive, Unadtkat’s off-cutter got the danger man out. Klaaseen scored a fabulous 69 of just 30 deliveries hitting as many as 7 sixes and 3 fours. He was adjudged the player of the match for his match winning performance in his home ground.

5) Duminy and Behardien take South Africa over the line

Duminy finished off the chase with 2 sixes in 2 balls

Duminy and Behardien ensured that Klaseen’s efforts do not go in vain and they accomplished the task that Klassen had laid the foundation for. The new South African skipper returned to form with a wonderful half century, scoring a 40-ball 64 which helped South Africa win easily in the end, hitting 2 sixes in 2 balls of Unadkat to finish the game with 8 balls to spare. Moving into the third T20I, Duminy’s innings will be a huge plus for the South African side.