South Africa leveled the three-match T20 series with a dominant 51-run victory over India in the second T20I held in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. After Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav opted to bowl first, the visitors produced a clinical batting performance led by Quinton de Kock’s explosive 90.
Reeza Hendricks contributed a steady 37, but the momentum of the innings swung dramatically during Arshdeep Singh’s expensive over, which cost India 18 runs, including seven wides. Cameras captured India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir visibly frustrated on the sidelines as South Africa continued to accelerate.
Chasing a challenging target of 214, India suffered an early setback when opener Shubman Gill fell for a golden duck, intensifying scrutiny over his recent T20 form. Despite a fighting 62 from Tilak Varma, India struggled to build partnerships and kept losing wickets at regular intervals.
South African pacer Ottneil Baartman delivered a match-winning spell, taking four key wickets and choking India’s chase. The hosts were eventually bowled out for 162, handing South Africa a comfortable win and bringing the series to 1-1.
With the decider approaching, India faces renewed questions over Gill’s place in the XI and potential lineup changes ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup.
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