New Chandigarh, Dec 11 (UNI) Quinton de Kock’s sublime batting and Ottneil Baartman’s clinical bowling powered South Africa to a commanding 51-run victory over India in the second T20 International at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Asked to bat, South Africa’s innings was anchored by de Kock, who produced a virtuoso 90 that set the tone for the visitors. From the first over, de Kock showcased his signature elegance, flicking, pulling, and lofting with supreme control.
A six off Arshdeep Singh in the opening over and another mammoth 93-metre strike off Axar Patel set the stage for an innings that combined timing, placement, and power. Aiden Markram and the dugout frequently acknowledged the captain’s authority, as he turned every scoring opportunity into a statement of intent.
Dewald Brevis added spice with audacious strokes, including a one-bounce thump over mid-off and a daring loft that rattled Shubman Gill. However, the real crescendo arrived in the final overs when de Kock departed on 90, under-edging Varun Chakaravarthy to the wicketkeeper. His exit brought a momentary hush, but Donovan Ferreira and David Miller immediately took charge, smashing 53 runs off just 23 balls to carry South Africa past the 200-run mark.
While de Kock dictated the batting narrative, Baartman scripted the collapse of India’s innings with precision. The right-arm pacer claimed four crucial wickets in the final two overs, including Arshdeep Singh (4), Shivam Dube (1), Varun Chakaravarthy (0), and Tilak Varma (62), dismantling India’s lower order with a combination of pace, accuracy, and strategic variation.
Baartman’s earlier efforts, combined with Lungi Ngidi’s (2/26) and Marco Jansen’s (2/25) support, ensured that India never recovered from the twin blows of de Kock’s innings and the Proteas’ disciplined bowling.
India’s chase began with promise through Tilak Varma, who fought valiantly with a 34-ball 62, and contributions from Jitesh Sharma (27 off 17) and Axar Patel (21 off 21). Yet, as Baartman weaved his web in the death overs, even well-timed boundaries were insufficient to counter the mounting pressure. The final wicket, Varma’s pull shot to Markram off Ngidi in the final over, symbolised South Africa’s dominance and emphatic control.
South Africa’s blend of masterful batting from de Kock and ferocious, opportunistic bowling from Baartman exemplified the complete T20 performance. With the series squared 1-1, the Proteas have sent a resounding message ahead of the remaining three games.
Scores
South Africa 213/4 (de Kock 90, Ferreira 30*, Miller 20*), India 162/10 (Tilak Varma 62, Jitesh Sharma 27, Axar 21), Ottneil Baartman 4/24, Lungi Ngidi 2/26, Jansen 2/25
