2nd T20I: South Africa level series after Quinton’s special knock; India falters again

South Africa produced a commanding performance to defeat India by 51 runs in the second T20 international at Mullanpur on Thursday, leveling the five-match series 1-1. The match was defined by Quinton de Kock’s explosive batting display and India’s continued struggles with the bat, particularly from Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav, whose lean runs persisted.
Opting to field first, India were immediately put under pressure by de Kock’s fluent strokeplay. The South African opener smashed 90 off just 46 balls, laced with seven towering sixes, most of which sailed over the deep square leg boundary. His innings set the tone for South Africa’s imposing total of 213/4 in 20 overs. De Kock, who recently reversed his ODI retirement and remains uncertain about his T20 future, showcased renewed purpose and flair, reminding fans and franchises of his value ahead of the upcoming mini auction.
India’s bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught. Arshdeep Singh, who had dismissed de Kock in the series opener, endured a torrid outing, conceding heavily and bowling seven wides in a single over. Jasprit Bumrah too was taken apart, giving away 16 runs in one over and 18 in the final over, with Donovan Ferreira and David Miller hammering him for towering sixes in the death overs. India leaked 123 runs in the last 10 overs, a phase that decisively tilted the contest in South Africa’s favor.
Apart from de Kock, Reeza Hendricks contributed with aggressive strokeplay, while Ferreira (30 not out off 16) and Miller (20 not out off 12) ensured the momentum never dipped after de Kock’s dismissal. The opener was run out in a bizarre fashion by wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma, attempting a non-existent single when he looked set to cross the 100-run mark for the second time in his T20 career.
Chasing 214, India’s batting faltered early. Local hopes Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma disappointed the home crowd, dismissed cheaply inside the powerplay. Gill fell first ball to a seaming delivery from Lungi Ngidi, while Abhishek was caught behind off Marco Jansen. Captain Suryakumar Yadav followed soon after, edging another Jansen delivery for just five runs. Axar Patel tried to stabilize the innings but was dismissed for 21, leaving India reeling.
Tilak Varma was the lone bright spot in India’s chase, scoring a brisk 62 off 34 balls with aggressive strokeplay. However, the lack of partnerships and the mounting run rate left India with little chance of recovery. The team was eventually bowled out for 162 in 19.1 overs, falling well short of the target. The defeat highlighted India’s batting woes, with Gill and Suryakumar yet to find form in the shortest format. The local crowd’s anticipation of strong performances from Gill and Abhishek ended in disappointment, as India’s top order failed to deliver on a batting-friendly surface.
With the series now tied at 1-1, the focus shifts to the third T20 scheduled in Dharamsala on December 14. India will need to regroup quickly, addressing both their batting inconsistencies and bowling discipline, while South Africa will look to build on the momentum provided by de Kock’s special innings.
Brief Score:
South Africa 213 for 4 in 20 overs (Quinton de Kock 90, Donovan Ferreir 30 not out; Varun Chakaravarthy 2/29.
India 162 all out in 19.1 overs (Tilak Varma 62; Ottneil Baartman 4/24).