The third T20I of the 3-match series was played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. India came into the last match 1-0 up in the series, while South Africa was looking to win the match and tie the series.
India won the toss and surprisingly Virat Kohli decided to bat first in what is his home ground in IPL. Shikhar Dhawan top-scored with 36 with 4 fours and 2 sixes with Pant and Jadeja making 19 each. It was a brilliant performance from the Proteas bowlers as Rabada picked 3/39 and Fortuin and Beuran Hendricks picked two scalps each, as India could only manage 134/9 in 20 overs.
South Africa chased the total down with authority, with Quinton de Kock making 79* in 52 balls with 5 sixes and 6 fours taking the team all the way. Hendricks made 28 and Bavuma made 27*, as South Africa won the match with 9 wickets in hand and over 3 overs to go. Hardik Pandya picked the only wicket to fall. The series was tied 1-1.
The cricket fraternity was amazed at the proficiency with which South Africa carried out their work in the game and lauded the effort on Twitter.
Here are some tweets:
