South Africa defeated Team India by five wickets in the second Twenty20 International at Gqeberha on Tuesday, December 12.
The visitors scored 180/7 in 19.3 overs after being asked to bat in cloudy circumstances. Rain soon arrived, allowing South Africa 15 overs to score 152 runs in the chase.
Reeza Hendricks scored an impressive 49. Other players helped out with smaller contributions. Resulting in a win for the Proteas. They finished six turns early. South Africa’s victory means India can’t win the three-game series due to the first game being cancelled.
On that topic, here are three players who shone for Team India and two who struggled in the second T20I against South Africa.
5. Star – Mohammed Siraj
On paper, Mohammed Siraj had a nine-over economy rate, conceding 27 runs in three overs, including a costly opening over in which South Africa managed three boundaries.
However, Siraj was arguably India’s greatest fast bowler on show in the second T20I, making a very successful comeback after a poor World Cup performance in 2023. He was unlucky not to gain more credit for his efforts, as numerous edges were unnoticed by the fielders.
Siraj even offered his team a chance to re-enter the game by removing Heinrich Klaasen. He’ll be looking to continue on this performance and spearhead the Indian pace assault in the next games.
4. Flop – Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill, another player who appeared for India for the first time since the 2023 World Cup, was unable to make an impression at Gqeberha.
Gill, who batted first, was out for a two-ball duck at the conclusion of the second over. Lizaad Williams got one to jag back and trap the youngster in front, and the oncoming delivery scalped him once again. He’s become accustomed to this method of dismissal.
With Ruturaj Gaikwad in the squad, Gill won’t have many chances to cement his place in the starting lineup. He hasn’t quite sorted out his T20I game yet, and more consistency may help him find his feet in the format.
3. Star – Suryakumar Yadav
There’s a cricketer who has truly blossomed in T20I cricket, and that’s Suryakumar Yadav. The temporary Indian team leader gave a spectacular performance recently, scoring a dynamic fifty on Tuesday.
Suryakumar entered the crease with the score at 6/2, but it didn’t appear to worry him in the least. He made his presence known with a lovely boundary off Gerald Coetzee before going on to perform many of the strokes that have propelled him to the top of the ICC T20I batting rankings.
Suryakumar was finally removed for 56 in the 14th over, but not before rescuing his team from danger.
2. Flop – Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep Singh’s bowling form is proving to be a major issue for Team India. The profligate fast bowler had another disappointing performance in the second T20I, adding to the concern surrounding his current run.
Arshdeep bowled his first over with the new ball, and it didn’t go well as Matthew Breetzke and Reeza Hendricks took an interest in him. Suryakumar opted to reintroduce the left-armer into the assault soon after the powerplay ended, and his fortunes did not improve.
Arshdeep ended up conceding 31 runs in two overs and bagging a first-ball duck when all he needed to do was go to the other end. It may be time for India to reconsider his status in the starting XI.
1. Star – Rinku Singh
Rinku Singh, only 26, has shown impressive skills since his international debut in August, possibly earning a spot on India’s 2024 T20 World Cup team. His performance has truly stood out.
Rinku’s most recent noteworthy performance was during the second Twenty20 International, when he amassed an undefeated 68, a knock that included two sixes and nine fours. After the left-hander battled through a tough stretch early in his innings, he executed superb field management to produce all nine of his fours.
Although the Men in Blue’s outcome wasn’t favorable this time, Rinku is emerging as a key member of the team.
