How Did Chakaravarthy and Bumrah Lead India to Victory Over SA?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India clinched the T20I series 3-1 against South Africa.
- Varun Chakaravarthy took 4 wickets, showcasing exceptional bowling skills.
- Jasprit Bumrah's return changed the momentum of the match.
- South Africa's batting collapse from 120/1 to 135/5 was crucial to the outcome.
- This win reinforces India's preparation for the T20 World Cup.
Ahmedabad, Dec 19 (NationPress) With a stunning performance from Varun Chakaravarthy, who took four wickets, and a brilliant spell by Jasprit Bumrah, India secured a 30-run victory over South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Friday, clinching the five-match T20I series 3-1.
South Africa, aiming for 232 runs, appeared to be in a strong position at 118/1 halfway through their innings, driven by the impressive batting of Quinton de Kock and Dewald Brevis. However, the game shifted dramatically with Bumrah's introduction in the 11th over, as he took a stunning return catch to dismiss de Kock for 63 runs.
From a promising start of 120/1, South Africa crumbled to 135/5 as Chakaravarthy's clever variations led him to finish with figures of 4-53. Bumrah also shone with 2-17 in a match that saw more than 400 runs scored, effectively sealing India's victory.
South Africa concluded their innings at 201/8, giving India a comfortable win. This result marks India's eighth consecutive T20I series victory, a streak that began in December 2023.
The match commenced with South Africa's aggressive approach, as de Kock attacked Arshdeep Singh with boundaries, helping the team to 67/0 at the end of the powerplay, with de Kock scoring 47 off just 26 balls.
The first breakthrough occurred in the seventh over when Hendricks was caught by Shivam Dube off Chakaravarthy's bowling. De Kock then reached his 18th T20I fifty, forming a critical partnership with Brevis.
However, the tide turned with Bumrah's return, as he dismissed de Kock. Hardik Pandya then took out Brevis with a clever delivery, and Chakaravarthy struck again, removing Aiden Markram and Donovan Ferreira.
With David Miller and George Linde falling quickly, South Africa found themselves in deep trouble at 163/7. Although Marco Jansen hit back-to-back sixes, Bumrah's off-cutter secured his wicket in the 17th over, effectively ending South Africa's chances.
In summary, India is now well-positioned for their quest to defend the T20 World Cup trophy at home next year.
Brief Scores: India 231/5 (Tilak Varma 73, Hardik Pandya 63; Corbin Bosch 2-44, Ottniel Baartman 1-28) beat South Africa 201/8 (Quinton de Kock 65, Dewald Brevis 31; Varun Chakaravarthy 4-53, Jasprit Bumrah 2-17) by 30 runs.