South Africa posted a competitive score of 149 runs after Indian skipper Virat Kohli won the toss and decided to bowl first. The visitors got off to a decent start as Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks added 31 runs for the opening stand. However, Hendricks was not able to get going. The right-hander tried to take on Deepak Chahar but could not get the elevation and was caught by Washington Sundar at mid-on.
Meanwhile, Quinton de Kock was able to get going and scored hat-trick of fours against Navdeep Saini in bowlers’ maiden over. On the other hand, Temba Bavuma who was making his T20I debut – catapulted his attack on Hardik Pandya. The Indian all-rounder who is making a comeback to international cricket after World Cup was wayward in his line and length.
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Thus, Bavuma smashed Pandya for a six in his first over and took two more boundaries in the second. Meanwhile, Quinton de Kock leading South Africa for the first time brought up his fifty. On the other hand, India looked sloppy with the ball as well in the field and the frustration was palpable on Kohli’s face. Subsequently, Kohli was able to pump up his boys after he took a one-handed blinder to send back his counterpart.
Ravindra Jadeja was able to get rid of Rassie Van der Dussen as he took a sharp caught and bowled. Meanwhile, Temba Bavuma missed out on his maiden T20I fifty on debut. as he could not pick a slower one from Deepak Chahar.
David Miller could not continue his love affair with the Mohali stadium as the southpaw scored only 18 runs. Indian bowlers made the most of the slower balls in the final overs to keep South Africa at bay.
Read More: India vs South Africa 2019: 2nd T20I, Mohali – Toss Report
Here is how Twitter reacted to South Africa’s innings:
160+ a given in #Mohali , one of the best batting tracks in the country , I am not even considering Due factor yet, #INDvsSA
— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) September 18, 2019
I've already seen one of the catches of the season. Brilliant from Virat.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) September 18, 2019
Jadeja ?
One of the best when it comes to Fielding.
Wall ?#IndvsSA— भकुआईल पांडा? (@ceeeed07) September 18, 2019
India have picked both pandyas, dropped both rahuls and picked one of their two chahars #IndvsSA
— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) September 18, 2019
South Africa crumbling down in pressure.??
Looking desperately for a good partnership but wickets in quick session is keeping them at bay.#IndvsSA— भकुआईल पांडा? (@ceeeed07) September 18, 2019
Looks like Virat is taking classes from sir jadega. Marvellous catch captain. #IndvsSA
— Dhoni forever ❣️ ☭ (@zindagijhandbaa) September 18, 2019
If my memory serves right,WashingtonSundar did not start for RCB for the first 11 odd games last year, but he is always in the India squad and now in the eleven for T20I. Why this anamoly. He is too good a player to not start for an IPL Team. @bhogleharsha #IndvsSA
— Nat (@natrec) September 18, 2019
Miller is not expecting slower stuff. Maybe he thinks he is facing Bumrah.
— Nikhil ? (@CricCrazyNIKS) September 18, 2019
#IndvsSA @tbavuma10 it's called #Karma. U were too selfish for ur 50. Hope from nxt tym will play for team not for personal 100 or 50s. Had u played for team u could sail into 50 normally with a 6 or 4
— Sukdev (@Megh_nad) September 18, 2019
https://twitter.com/Rocket_si/status/1174337546072903683?s=20
Last four overs a video nightmare for Proteas! Stalled lamentably.
— Rob Houwing (@RobHouwing) September 18, 2019
Today Saini seems to be the designated death-over bowler….won’t mind an over here from him. In place of Pandya. #IndvSA
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) September 18, 2019
