Team India registered a comprehensive 82-run victory over South Africa in the fourth T20I at Rajkot on Friday (June 17) to level the five-match series 2-2.
Invited to bat first, the hosts rode on Dinesh Karthik’s dazzling 27-ball 55 and Hardik Pandya’s 31-ball 46 to post 169/6 on the board.
Lungi Ngidi was the pick of the bowlers for the Proteas, claiming two wickets by conceding 20 runs in his three overs.
In reply, South Africa’s innings folded for a paltry 87 in 16.5 overs. It was a listless batting performance as no one even managed to touch the 30-run mark. Rassie van der Dussen was the top scorer with 20.
For India, pacer Avesh Khan starred with the ball, taking four wickets by giving away only 18 runs in his four overs. Wrist-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal also bowled brilliantly and returned with the figures of 2 for 21 in his four overs while Harshal Patel (1 for 3 in 2.1 overs) and Akshar Patel (1 for 19 in 3.5 overs) picked scalp apiece.
Cricket experts on Twitter lauded the Indian bowlers, especially Avesh and Chahal, for their stunning display in a must-win game for the home team.
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