South Africa denies India 12th straight T20 win; Chase down record 211 runs

South Africa, India, T20
South Africa chased down record 211 vs India in first T20
South Africa, India, T20
South Africa chased down record 211 vs India in first T20

On Thursday, June 9, South Africa defeated India in their largest-ever T20I chase in Delhi. The devastation perpetrated by David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen in the final 10 overs of the game meant that India, led by Rishabh Pant, stood helpless as the game slipped away from them. Miller smashed 64* off just 31 balls and was the catalyst for the visitors’ comeback in the final few overs of the game. Rassie van der Dussen, who struggled for the opening 30 balls of his innings, finished with 75* off 46 balls to help him out.

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bowl earlier in the day, but India’s batting put his bowlers on a wild leather hunt. Ishan Kishan top-scored with 76 before Hardik Pandya (31 not out) and Rishabh Pant (29) cameoed to help the hosts reach 211 for 4 in 20 overs. Aiden Markram was ruled out after testing positive for Covid-19, therefore South Africa gave Tristan Stubbs his debut.

South Africa’s start was everything that any squad could aspire for when chasing a world record. Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma were well aware that they were in for a difficult chase due to the track’s strange behaviour, but they held their own against Bhuveshwar Kumar, who was unplayable.

South Africa lost wickets early in the powerplay but maintained a high scoring rate in their 212-run chase. With Axar and Harshal Patel in the middle overs, the scoring rate dropped, choking South Africa’s momentum. Harshal’s one-run over, in which he clean bowled Dwaine Pretorius with a slower full toss, effectively turned the tide for India. South Africa elected to turn the game around after stuttering at the midway point and needed 126 runs from the final 10 overs.

Van der Dussen had made 23 out of 28 by that point and had suddenly found his stroke. He finished with a score of 75* off just 46 balls, which means he got 52 off his final 18. He made a decision.

He took pacers to the cleaners and came clutch when Miller needed support from the other end.

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