India continued their remarkable dominance in bilateral series, stretching their series-winning streak to ten, after a hard-fought 30-run victory over South Africa in a run-filled T20I at Ahmedabad. Despite conceding over 200 runs, India’s bowlers — led by Jasprit Bumrah — held their nerve under dew to defend 231 for 5 against a dangerous South African batting lineup.
Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma Power India to 231
India’s innings was built on explosive middle-order batting after a flying start at the top. With Shubman Gill sidelined due to a foot injury, Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma made full use of the powerplay. Abhishek’s aggressive intent was evident from ball one as he charged the bowlers, while Samson’s effortless strokeplay helped India race to 63 in just 5.3 overs. Abhishek scored 34 off 21, and Samson contributed 37 off 22, setting the tone.
South Africa managed to slow the momentum briefly through George Linde, who removed Samson and later dismissed Suryakumar Yadav, ensuring the Indian captain ended the year without an international half-century. At that stage, India’s innings looked like it might plateau.
That’s when Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma completely flipped the script. Hardik launched a breathtaking assault, smashing 31 runs off his first seven balls and bringing up the second-fastest T20I fifty by an Indian. He finished with 63 off just 25 deliveries, striking cleanly without needing to overcommit to the pitch.
Tilak Varma played the perfect foil while maintaining his own aggression, compiling a superb 73 off 42 balls. Together, the duo added 105 runs in just 7.2 overs, dismantling South Africa’s bowling attack. Even after their dismissals, Shivam Dube ensured the pressure stayed on with a six off his first ball, pushing India to an imposing 231 for 5.
Bumrah and Varun Seal the Game After South Africa’s Strong Start
Chasing 232 under lights and heavy dew, South Africa began in ominous fashion. Quinton de Kock, playing his 100th T20I, was outstanding, particularly against Arshdeep Singh, and raced away to 65. Alongside Dewald Brevis, he took South Africa to 118 for 1 in 10 overs, firmly ahead of the required rate and threatening to pull off a stunning chase.
The turning point came with the ball change at the drinks break. With a drier ball in hand, Jasprit Bumrah immediately made an impact, dismissing de Kock with a well-disguised offcutter that came straight back to him. That wicket triggered a dramatic collapse as India took four wickets for just 15 runs, swinging the momentum sharply.
Hardik Pandya chipped in by smartly bowling to Brevis, using slower deliveries and denying access to the shorter boundaries. Varun Chakravarthy then turned the game decisively, removing Aiden Markram and Donovan Ferreira in successive deliveries with his variations. Though Marco Jansen provided one final scare with back-to-back sixes later in the chase, the required rate proved too steep.
Bumrah, the standout bowler on a night when 432 runs were scored, finished with superb figures of 4-0-17-2, including the wicket of Jansen to seal the contest. South Africa ended on 201 for 8, falling short despite a blazing start.
India’s ability to defend a total in difficult, dew-heavy conditions once again underlined their depth and composure. This win not only showcased the impact of Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma with the bat, but also highlighted why Bumrah remains the biggest difference-maker in world T20 cricket.
