Despite setting a massive target of 212 runs in the 1st T20I in Delhi on June 9, Indian bowlers failed to defend the score, as South Africa chased down the total with five balls and 7 wickets remaining thanks to a 131*-run stand between David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen.
South Africa ended India's 12-match winning streak and took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series with a dramatic seven-wicket victory, which included their best successful chase in T20I cricket. Miller made 64* in 31 balls, while Van der Dussen remained not out on 75 in 46 balls after getting a life on 14 runs.
Lack of intent in the powerplay was one of India's biggest concerns heading into the game. India, on the other hand, got off to a flying start on Thursday, hitting 51 runs without conceding a wicket, with the new opening duo of Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad smashing six boundaries and two sixes.
While India lost Gaikwad for 23 in the seventh over, Ishan kept the momentum going, scoring 76 off 48 balls with 11 fours and 3 sixes.
Also Read: IND v SA 2022: “David Miller pulled me through that little patch” says Rassie van der Dussen
Despite the Men in Blue's defeat, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar saw two positive signs. The India batting legend praised Ishan's intent with the bat in an interview with Star Sports after the match.
“He didn't start off smoothly, there were a lot of outside edge and he was playing down the wrong line, but he stuck around. And sometimes when the ball is hard it is difficult to get the ball off the middle off the bat. But he settled down and go those 70 odd runs and he got that in quick time,” he said.
Hardik's return as an all-rounder was another significant plus for Gavaskar. Hardik scored an unbeaten 31 off 12 balls while batting at No. 5, and he also bowled an over for 18 runs.
"Also, down the order, Hardik Pandya coming down the order and smashing the ball around. These are really two big picks as far as the Indian team is concerned. Also, Hardik bowling was a good sign. Yes, he went for big runs in his one over but basically the fact that he is there...you can't expect him to come in his first over in international cricket after a long time and get everything right.
“He can sustain this form, absolutely, no doubt about that. And whenever India is batting second, he is always able to finish the game for the team. And shot that he played, that flat six over long off...that was incredible and amazing,” Gavaskar added.
The second T20I will be held on June 12th in Cuttack.
