Pandya, Chakravarthy's heroics help India seal series 3-1 with 30-run win over SA in 5th T20I

India rode on Hardik Pandya and Varun Chakravarthy's special to hammered South Africa by 30 runs at the Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad in the fifth T20I to pocket the five-match series 3-1. The win sealed India's eighth consecutive T20I series triumph, a streak that began in December 2023.

India win T20I series 3-1 with 30-run win over South Africa

Hardik Pandya's 63 and Tilak Varma's 73 powered India to a colossal total of 231/5. In reply, South Africa surrendered to Varun Chakravarthy's magical four-fer and were finally bundled out for 201. 

Quinton de Kock's efforts go in vain

South Africa appeared to be mounting a genuine threat early in the chase, led by a blistering 65 from Quinton de Kock. However, the Proteas' pursuit crumbled under pressure as they lost seven wickets for just 81 runs, ultimately finishing their 20 overs at 201/8.

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The South African reply started with significant aggression from De Kock, who took full advantage of India’s tactical decision to save Jasprit Bumrah for the later stages. Targetting Arshdeep Singh, De Kock hammered six boundaries and a six in just two overs during the powerplay. Despite his brilliance, the chase was somewhat lopsided; opening partner Reeza Hendricks struggled again, eventually falling to a spectacular one-handed catch by Shivam Dube off the bowling of Varun Chakravarthy.

The momentum shifted back and forth as De Kock and Dewald Brevis put together a rapid 51-run stand off just 23 balls. By the halfway mark, the Proteas were perfectly positioned to threaten the target. However, the introduction of Jasprit Bumrah proved decisive. In the 11th over, Bumrah deceived De Kock with a slower delivery, forcing a return catch that the bowler safely held. Shortly after, Hardik Pandya added to the pressure by bouncing out Brevis, leaving the South African middle order exposed.

Varun Chakravarthy roars with fiery four-fer

The final collapse was triggered by Varun Chakravarthy, who claimed four wickets in a standout spell. He struck a double blow in the 13th over, trapping Aiden Markram leg-before with a paddle-sweep attempt before cleaning up Donovan Ferreira with a delivery that shattered the off-stump. When David Miller mistimed a shot off Arshdeep Singh in the 15th over, South Africa’s hopes officially evaporated. From a commanding position of 120/1, the visitors lost their way completely, allowing India to sniff victory.

Earlier, India set a massive total of 231/5 in the fifth T20I against South Africa, fueled by a dominant batting display at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The centerpiece of the innings was a 105-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya. Varma played a masterful knock of 73 off 45 balls, while Pandya provided the fireworks with a blistering 63. Notably, Pandya reached his fifty in just 16 deliveries, marking the second-fastest half-century ever recorded by an Indian man in T20I history.

The innings began with a brisk 63-run opening stand between Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, the latter stepping in for the injured Shubman Gill. Abhishek provided early momentum with 34 runs, repeatedly finding the boundary against Marco Jansen, while Samson contributed an elegant 37. Although captain Suryakumar Yadav’s struggle for form continued with a quick dismissal for five, the middle-order surge from Varma and Pandya ensured the scoreboard kept ticking at a rapid pace. Shivam Dube provided the final flourish, striking a four and a six in the last over to push the total past 230.

The match was not without its share of drama and physical intensity. Early in the game, South African keeper Quinton de Kock suffered a finger injury while collecting a ball but chose to persevere through the pain after receiving medical attention. Additionally, play was marked by unusual incidents as both umpire Rohan Pandit and a camera operator were accidentally struck by the ball during the heavy hitting. Despite these distractions, India remained focused, capitalizing on the black soil pitch to set a formidable target.

South Africa's bowling unit struggled to find answers for India's aggressive approach, though Corbin Bosch emerged as the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2-44. It was Bosch who provided the first breakthrough, dismissing Abhishek Sharma with a leg-side bouncer that was caught by de Kock. However, the Proteas were largely unable to stem the flow of runs during the death overs.