The five-match T20I series between India and South Africa ended in a 2-2 draw after the 5th and deciding match was washed out in Bengaluru due to consistent rain on June 19. However, with this drawn T20I series, they preserved their streak of unbeaten T20I series at home.
They broke the record set by the Australian team as this was India’s ninth consecutive series where they succeeded in either winning or drawing, eclipsing the former record held by Australia with 8 between 2006 and 2010.
India’s world record streak began in 2019 with, fittingly, another drawn series against South Africa, that particular one finishing 1-1 after three matches. The streak has also seen two series victories each against West Indies and Sri Lanka, including dominant 3-0 whitewashes this year. There have also been victories against Bangladesh, England, and New Zealand.
These victories have come under the captaincy of Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma.
Rishabh Pant almost let the record slip under his leadership as India lost the first two T20I matches to South Africa, but spirited performances from the Men in Blue ensured they went into the fifth T20I with the series 2-2 with wins in Vizag and Rajkot.
India earlier had a streak of six consecutive series wins at home between 2016 and 2018, broken by Australia who ran to a 2-0 victory in February 2019. India’s next home series will yet again be against Australia, who will travel to India in August-September ahead of hosting the 2022 T20I World Cup.
If they win or remain unbeaten in that series, India will become the first men’s team to reach double-digits in the process.
However, the Men in Blue will be involved in T20Is overseas against Ireland, England, and West Indies, and most likely in the Asia Cup as well.
(Hindustan Times input)
