After losing the first game of the series, the Proteas came into the match with a strong 51-run victory to tie the series 1-1, which former cricketer Robin Uthappa believes was a result of their fearlessness. After defeating India in the second Twenty20 International at New Chandigarh on Thursday, December 11, the South Africans were well poised to make a comeback into the five-match series.
By gaining the lead against Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, Uthappa demonstrated the speed with which Aiden Markram & Co. entered the game and hit the Indians where it hurt them the most.
According to Uthappa, the visitors’ bowling later in the game was excellent as well, carrying out their strategies flawlessly.
“South Africa recovered from the opening match by bowling and batting remarkably effectively. They were excellent on that surface with the new ball; Abhishek Sharma was squeezed for space on a challenging back-of-a-length, and Lungi Ngidi’s delivery to Shubman Gill was an absolute gem. They kept India under pressure and hit the correct spots every time. They attacked India’s top bowlers, like as Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, from the outset, making a strong statement with the bat,” Uthappa stated via Follow The Blues.
The former wicketkeeper-batter added that the middle order batters were able to play freely and finish the game with a large score because of the way opening batsman Quinton de Kock batted for his incredible half-century. Overall, Uthappa said the South African team’s performance was excellent and that the hosts appeared to have no idea what they were doing.
“Quinton de Kock was outstanding; he formed solid alliances with Aiden Markram, ran brilliantly alongside Dewald Brevis, and maintained a fast pace by hitting in his chosen zones. It was then elegantly concluded by David Miller and Donovan Ferreira. South Africa gave a comprehensive performance, out-batting, out-bowling, and out-fielding India on a rare day when Bumrah and Arshdeep were off.
With the third Twenty20 International coming up, the Proteas will be sure to grab the lead in the series. In the meantime, the Indians will also have a chance to win the game again. The next match is set for Sunday, December 14 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala. The outcome of the series will be decided in large part by the match.
India
