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South Africa Beat India in Mullanpur – Quinton de Kock Masterclass Levels T20I Series
Summary: Quinton de Kock turned back the clock with an electrifying 90, anchoring South Africa's formidable total of 213. Spearheaded by a fiery spell from Ottneil Baartman (4/24), the Proteas dismantled the Indian batting line-up, securing a dominant 51-run victory to tie the five-match T20I series at 1-1. Tilak Varma's fighting 62 was the only defiance in a challenging chase for the hosts.
Proteas Power Play: De Kock and Baartman Deliver a Clinical Knockout
The newly inaugurated Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur witnessed a spectacular display of power-hitting followed by disciplined bowling, orchestrated by the visiting South African side. On a track deemed suitable for chasing, India’s decision to bowl first backfired spectacularly, as South Africa stormed to a 51-run victory, seizing crucial momentum and levelling the T20I series at 1-1.
The South African Blitz: De Kock Unleashed
From the moment the first ball was bowled, South Africa looked determined to set a challenging total. The performance was anchored by the Player of the Match, Quinton de Kock, who was in devastating form. His phenomenal innings of 90 runs off just 46 balls, studded with 7 gigantic sixes, was a masterclass in controlled aggression. De Kock's quickfire brilliance ensured India’s highly-rated pace duo of Arshdeep Singh (0/54) and Jasprit Bumrah (0/45) had an uncharacteristically expensive outing.
India's bowling lacked bite, conceding 22 extras, including 16 wides, highlighting a severe lack of control. The only relief came from the wrist spin of Varun Chakaravarthy (2/29), who managed to maintain pressure. Late fireworks from Donovan Ferreira (30* off 16) and David Miller (20* off 12) provided the final thrust, pushing the Proteas to a commanding total of 213/4.
India’s Chase: The Varma Vigor, The Collective Collapse
Facing a massive chase, India's innings faltered immediately with a top-order wobble. Shubman Gill's dismissal for a golden duck set a worrying tone that was quickly amplified by the loss of Suryakumar Yadav and Abhishek Sharma.
Tilak Varma, the young left-hander, stood tall amidst the ruins, playing an innings of exceptional maturity and clean hitting. His 62 off 34 balls (including 5 sixes) showcased his potential as a future Indian mainstay and kept the faint hope of an impossible comeback alive.
However, the middle order, including a subdued Hardik Pandya (20 off 23), could not sustain the required impetus against a clinical South African attack.
The Baartman Masterstroke: A Career-Best Spell
The star of the bowling department was the disciplined pacer Ottneil Baartman. Operating with precision and varying his pace smartly, Baartman delivered a match-winning spell, finishing with sensational figures of 4/24. He single-handedly demolished the lower-middle order, ensuring India were never truly in the contest after Varma's dismissal. With support from Marco Jansen (2/25) and Lungi Ngidi (2/26), South Africa completed the rout, bowling India out for 162 in 19.1 overs.
What's Next: Dharamsala Decider
The convincing win levels the series at 1-1, turning the upcoming 3rd T20I into a high-stakes, virtual series decider. All eyes now shift to the picturesque HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on Sunday, December 14, at 7:00 PM IST. India must address their bowling consistency and top-order vulnerability to reclaim the series lead against a confident South African unit.
Keywords: Quinton de Kock Masterclass T20I, Ottneil Baartman Bowling Spell, India vs South Africa Series Tied, Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium Match Report
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