2nd T20I: Hendricks and Shamsi Shine as South Africa Seal Series Lead with Rain-Curtailed Win

Gqeberha, South Africa: Opener Reeza Hendricks and spinner Tabraiz Shamsi were the stars of the show as South Africa clinched a comfortable five-wicket victory over India in the rain-marred second T20I at St George’s Park on Tuesday. The win gives the Proteas a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Hendricks laid the foundation for South Africa’s chase with a blistering 27-ball 49. He smashed the Indian bowlers to all parts of the ground, taking them to the cleaners upfront. He was particularly severe on Mohammad Siraj and Arshdeep Singh, who were taken for runs in their opening overs.

Rinku Singh and Suryakumar Yadav star for India

Earlier, rain had reduced the Indian innings to 19.3 overs, but that didn’t stop Rinku Singh and Suryakumar Yadav from putting on a breathtaking batting display. Rinku smashed his maiden T20I half-century, scoring 68 not out off 39 balls. His innings was filled with powerful shots and smart running between the wickets. Suryakumar, meanwhile, continued his good form with a fluent 56 off 36 balls.

Shamsi’s spin magic restricts India

With the ball, Tabraiz Shamsi was the pick of the South African bowlers. He finished with figures of 3 for 27, bamboozling the Indian batsmen with his clever variations. He dismissed KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, and Dinesh Karthik in quick succession, putting a brake on India’s scoring rate.

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South Africa cruise to victory

After the rain delay, South Africa were set a revised target of 152 in 15 overs. They started their chase aggressively and reached 67 for 1 in the first five overs. Hendricks continued his aggressive batting, before being dismissed for 49. However, Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram ensured that South Africa crossed the finish line with ease, reaching the target in 13.5 overs.

Key takeaways from the match:

• Reeza Hendricks was the star of the show with a brilliant 27-ball 49.
• Tabraiz Shamsi spun a web around the Indian batsmen with his 3 for 27.
• Rinku Singh and Suryakumar Yadav played well for India, but their efforts were not enough.
• South Africa take a 1-0 lead in the series with this win.

This win will give South Africa a lot of confidence going into the third and final T20I, which will be played in Guwahati on October 10. India, on the other hand, will need to bounce back quickly if they want to level the series.

DISCLAIMER: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.