The South Africa were well poised to make a comeback in the five-match series after winning the second T20I against India in New Chandigarh on Thursday, December 11. Entering the game after losing the series opener, the Proteas appeared motivated and won by 51 runs to tie the series at 1-1, which former cricketer Robin Uthappa attributes to their bravery.
Uthappa emphasised the tempo with which Aiden Markram and Co entered the contest, and targeted the Indians where it hurt the most, by charging Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh. Later in the match, the visitors were superb with their bowling, carrying out their plans perfectly, according to Uthappa.
“South Africa batted and bowled exceptionally well to bounce back after the first game. With the new ball they were outstanding on that surface, Lungi Ngidi’s delivery to Shubman Gill was an absolute peach, and the ball to Abhishek Sharma cramped him for room on a testing back‑of‑a‑length. They consistently hit the right areas and kept India under pressure. With the bat, they made a clear statement by attacking India’s best bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, right from the start,” Uthappa said via Follow The Blues.
The former wicketkeeper-batsman went on to say that the way opener Quinton de Kock batted for his stunning half-century allowed the middle order hitters to bat freely and finish the game with a high total.
Overall, Uthappa praised the South Africa team’s effort and lamented the hosts’ apparent lack of knowledge.
“Quinton de Kock was phenomenal, built strong partnerships with Aiden Markram, ran superbly with Dewald Brevis, and kept the tempo high by hitting in his preferred zones. Donovan Ferreira and David Miller then finished things off in style. It was a complete performance from South Africa, and on a rare off day for Bumrah and Arshdeep, they out-batted, out-bowled, and out-fielded India.”
India
