Team India on Tuesday (June 14) bounced back in the five-T20I series against South Africa with a comprehensive 48-run victory in the third match at Visakhapatnam.
Asked to bat first, the hosts posted 179/5 in their 20 overs on the back of half-centuries from the openers – Ruturaj Gaikwad (57 off 35 balls) and Ishan Kishan (54 off 35 balls). All-rounder Hardik Pandya also played a handy cameo of 21-ball 31*.
Dwaine Pretorius was the pick of the bowlers for the Proteas, claiming a couple of wickets by conceding 29 runs in his four overs.
In reply, South Africa’s innings folded for a paltry 131 in 19.1 overs. It was a listless batting performance as no one managed to cross the 30-run mark. Heinrich Klaasen was the top scorer with 24-ball 29.
For India, wrist spinner Yuzvendra Chahal starred with the ball, taking three scalps by giving away only 20 runs in his four overs. Harshal Patel also bowled brilliantly and returned with the figures of 4 for 25 in his 3.1 overs while Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1-21) and Akshar Patel (1-28) picked wicket apiece.
Cricket experts on Twitter lauded the Indian bowlers, especially Chahal and Harshal, for their stunning display in a must-win game for the home team.
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