IND vs SA: An 82-run in a T20 match is massive enough to send out a statement to the opposition: that the bowling unit is firing all cylinders. That is what India did on Friday in Rajkot against South Africa as they have now come from 2-0 behind to level the series 2-2 with the final showdown on Sunday in Bangalore.
All the criticism of India’s bowling attack and plans from the first couple of losses have now turned to showers of praises as the visitors were bowled out for 87 in 16.5 overs while chasing 169.
Rassie van der Dussen with 20 runs was South Africa’s top scorer today and only three batsmen in total got into double digits.
Harshal Patel picks 4 wickets; DK hits maiden T20I fifty
A run out of Quinton de Kock in the fifth over by Harshal Patel set the tone for India’s bowlers who then kept the lid on and struck regularly. Avesh Khan, playing his 6th T20I, registered his best T20I bowling figures of 4/18. Last match’s Player of the Match, Yuzvendra Chahal was once again amongst wickets, taking 2/21 while the two Patels – Axar and Harshal – snapped one scalp each.
It was Dinesh Karthik’s late power-hitting during India’s innings that set up the momentum for the hosts. Karthik, in the form of his life and coming from a scintillating IPL season, came into bat in the 13th over with India’s score of 81/4; he notched up his maiden T20I fifty – 16 years after the first T20I – to take the total to 169.
Karthik smashed 55 runs off 27 balls, his innings laced with 9 fours and 2 sixes, a strike rate of 203, the best among all Indian batters today. Hardik Pandya, with 46 off 31, and a 26-ball 27 from Ishan Kishan played their part, while their innings also showed that the pitch wasn’t as easy to bat on as Karthik made it look.
India will be high on confidence with two consecutive victories leading into the series-decider.
Netizens on Twitter celebrated this win and were full of praises for the Men In Blue.
Here are some of the best Twitter reactions on 4th IND vs SA:
From 0-2 to 2-2, terrific comeback by India in the T20 series.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 17, 2022
Solid win
All to play for in Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/PboDzYE0nw
— Ishan Kishan (@ishankishan51) June 17, 2022
All to play for in Bengaluru Both picture has a difference of 16 long years – @DineshKarthik is an inspiration to all sports person. pic.twitter.com/Z8n0uIJhEe
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 17, 2022
– This is the biggest win for India vs South Africa in T20I.
– This is the lowest score of South Africa in T20I.— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 17, 2022
Everyone wanted Avesh Khan to make way for Umran Malik. He made a comeback after going wicketless in the series and he won us the game tonight. Kudos to Dravid and selectors for backing him.
— Unnati Madan (@unnati_madan) June 17, 2022
One of India’s finest finishers coming in to bat under pressure and scoring 55 in 27 balls.
His maiden fifty in T20Is. Well played, @DineshKarthik 🙂 pic.twitter.com/mQaFxPuSZ8
— Nikhil
(@CricCrazyNIKS) MOM in India’s first ever T20 international .. 16 years later gets his maiden fifty against the same side. Special knock this .. Something different, something fresh.. Living upto the promise he made at the IPL .. Well done @DineshKarthik #INDvSA
— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) June 17, 2022
My opinion – first choice wicket keeper batsmen for India in all white ball formats until 2023 World Cup should only be @DineshKarthik I don’t see anyone closer to his class , consistency or match winning abilities right now.
— Prasanna (@prasannalara) June 17, 2022
Terrific fightback from team India to level the series. Credit to Rishabh and Rahul Bhai for sticking with the same team throughout despite couple of losses at the start. Avesh repaid the faith and how! Super Sunday ahead! #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/jHCSUsFnNZ
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) June 17, 2022
With Rohit, KL, Virat set to return, top order gets sorted. India were looking for finisher. Ek maango, do mil gaye. Hardik and DK aap Australia World Cup ja rahe hain. @DineshKarthik @hardikpandya7
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) June 17, 2022
DK has totally possessed himself with a mission to win the WC for India and it’s miraculous how well he has aligned both his body and mind to it. Man must have been hurt deeply by not winning the 2019 WC Semis, and he is dying for a redemption.
It’s all so inspirational!
— Ricky talks Cricket (@CricRicky) June 17, 2022
Weekend viewing sorted.
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) June 17, 2022
𝐃𝐊 – 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫!#OneFamily #INDvSA @DineshKarthik @BCCI pic.twitter.com/6L0WuTP7AZ
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) June 17, 2022
