India suffered a three-wicket loss to South Africa in a nail-biting second T20I, with a resilient performance from Tristan Stubbs securing the victory for the Proteas. Despite Varun Chakravarthy's impressive fifer, South Africa's batting duo of Stubbs and Gerald Coetzee held on to guide their team to victory and end India's winning streak. Chakravarthy's superb spell of bowling added drama to the match, but it was not enough to stop the home side from clinching the win.
India Falls to South Africa in Nail-Biting T20I, Varun Chakravarthy's Fifer Goes in Vain
In a thrilling encounter in Cuttack, India suffered a three-wicket defeat against South Africa in the second T20I. Despite a brilliant five-wicket haul from spinner Varun Chakravarthy, the Proteas emerged victorious thanks to a resilient batting performance from Tristan Stubbs and Gerald Coetzee.
Match Summary
India, batting first, posted a competitive total of 148/6. Ishan Kishan led the batting charge with a 42-ball 34, while Deepak Chahar contributed an unbeaten 31 off 17 deliveries.
South Africa's chase got off to a shaky start as Chakravarthy struck twice in his opening over to dismiss Reeza Hendricks and Quinton de Kock. However, Stubbs and Coetzee steadied the ship with a crucial 70-run partnership. Stubbs hammered 72 off 52 balls, including six fours and three sixes, while Coetzee chipped in with an unbeaten 34.
Chakravarthy continued his impressive form with three more wickets in the middle overs, but Stubbs and Coetzee held on to guide their team to victory with four balls to spare.
Varun Chakravarthy's Remarkable Fifer
Varun Chakravarthy was the standout performer for India, becoming the first Indian bowler to take a fifer in T20I cricket. He dismissed top-order batters Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock, Temba Bavuma, Dwaine Pretorius, and Wayne Parnell to leave South Africa reeling at 6/5.
Chakravarthy's outstanding spell put India in a commanding position, but the South African batters showed great resilience to overcome the setback and secure the victory.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Who was India's top scorer in the match?
2. How many wickets did Varun Chakravarthy take?
3. Who was named Player of the Match?
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5. What was the result of the first T20I between India and South Africa?
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