TOP STORIES
IND vs SA, 5th T20I: Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya and bowlers star as India topple South Africa to win T20I series
India produced a breathtaking display of power-hitting and extraordinary bowling to defeat South Africa by 30 runs in the fifth and final T20I at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday, clinching the series 3-1 in emphatic fashion. The duo of Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma was the cornerstone of India's thumping victory, blazing sensational half-centuries and tearing apart the South African bowling attack with fearless attack.
India, after being asked to bat, got off to a blistering start as Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson set the tone during the powerplay. Abhishek struck a beautiful 34 off just 21 balls, while Samson followed suit with a fluent 37 from 22 deliveries. In the middle overs, momentum intensified when Tilak Varma took centre stage. He smashed a magnificent 73 off 42 balls, peppering the boundary with 10 fours and launching one six. Later, Hardik Pandya unleashed destruction.
The ever-reliable all-rounder played one of the most explosive innings, racing to his half-century in just 16 balls, the second-fastest by an Indian in T20Is. Hardik finished with a brilliant 63 off 25 deliveries, propelling India to a formidable total of 231/5 in 20 overs.
In reply, South Africa began their chase with promise as Quinton de Kock played a massive counter-attacking innings. The left-hander looked in sublime touch, hammering 65 and giving the visitors hope of an unlikely chase. However, once de Kock fell, the innings lost direction. The Indian bowlers tightened the screws, stopping the flow of runs. South Africa suddenly suffered a dramatic collapse, finishing on 201/8 in 20 overs. Varun Chakravarthy was India's star with the ball, taking a four-wicket haul.
Tags
More News
CPL 2026: Dwayne Bravo’s no. 47 jersey retired by Trinbago Knight Riders
Trinbago Knight Riders have paid one of their greatest players the most sparkling honour by retiring the No. 47 jersey worn by Dwayne Bravo. With this development, the number 47 will never again be carried by a TKR player, giving a lasting tribute to a talented cricketer. Bravo has now become the first player in Caribbean Premier League history to have his jers...
India women gear up to begin Asia Cup campaign as they target eighth title
The tenth edition of the Women's Asia Cup is going on in full swing, with eight teams vying for the title. For the first time, the tournament is being played in the United Arab Emirates, with the Dubai International Cricket Stadium set to host every match. Meanwhile, India women are set to begin their campaign by facing Thailand women in match 3 of the tourname...
Gurnoor Brar added to North Zone squad for Duleep Trophy
Indian pacer Gurnoor Brar has been drafted into the North Zone squad for their Duleep Trophy semi-final against South Zone. The match is scheduled to begin on Sunday at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, with Brar joining the team immediately after India’s Test series in Sri Lanka concluded with a 1-0 victory on Thursday. Brar is expected to feature in...
“If Virat Kohli had been playing this match…”: Ex-Indian player questions India’s intensity in 2nd Test against Sri Lanka
Team India had a tremendous opportunity to end their Test series in Sri Lanka with a convincing 2-0 victory, but a frustrating final day in Colombo made it possible for Sri Lanka to escape with a draw. Former India batter Mohammad Kaif felt that Sri Lanka managed to secure a draw due to a lack of urgency from the Indian side. Moreover, Kaif felt that Virat...
“I smiled when…”: Suryakumar Yadav opens up on shock exit as India’s T20I captain
Suryakumar Yadav has broken his silence after being dropped from the Indian team soon after leading the side to the T20 World Cup title. Yadav, who had lifted the trophy as captain and remained unbeaten in series during his tenure, has shared his thoughts as to how he viewed the situation. Suryakumar said he tried to look at the matter from the other side....
Android App
iOS App
YouTube
Instagram
Twitter