India and South Africa have had some exciting T20I matches over the years. Whenever these two teams face off, the games are always full of energy and drama. Indian bowlers have played a big role in helping India take control in these matches. In this article, we will look at the five best bowling performances by Indian bowlers in T20I cricket against South Africa.
5. Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 4/13, Cuttack, 2022
In a match held in Cuttack in 2022, Bhuvneshwar Kumar gave a brilliant performance with the ball. He took 4 wickets for just 13 runs in his four overs. This is one of the best bowling performances by an Indian bowler against South Africa in T20Is. Sadly, India lost the match despite Bhuvneshwar’s great effort. South Africa chased down India’s score of 148/6, thanks to a strong innings by Heinrich Klaasen, who scored 81 runs off 46 balls.
4. RP Singh – 4/13, Durban, 2007
RP Singh was a key player in India’s 2007 T20 World Cup victory. His best bowling performance in the tournament came in a match against South Africa in Durban. India scored 153/5 while batting first, setting South Africa a target of 154. However, RP Singh’s amazing spell of 4 wickets for 13 runs helped India win the match by 37 runs. This win allowed India to progress to the semi-finals, knocking South Africa out of the tournament.
3. Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 5/24, Johannesburg, 2018
Bhuvneshwar Kumar made history in 2018 by becoming the first Indian fast bowler and the second Indian bowler overall to take five wickets in a T20I match. He achieved this remarkable feat against South Africa in Johannesburg. India scored 203/5 in their innings, with Shikhar Dhawan’s 72 runs off 39 balls leading the charge. In reply, South Africa’s Reeza Hendricks fought hard with 70 runs off 50 balls. But Bhuvneshwar took control of the match, claiming 5 wickets for 24 runs. India won by 28 runs.
2. Varun Chakravarthy – 5/17, Gqeberha, 2024
Varun Chakravarthy achieved his first-ever T20I five-wicket haul against South Africa in 2024. He took 5 wickets for just 17 runs in Gqeberha, where the match was played in difficult conditions. India managed to score only 124 runs while batting first. But South Africa were chasing a small target of 125 runs when Chakravarthy spun his web and took key wickets, including those of Aiden Markram, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, and David Miller. Thanks to his excellent bowling, India won the match.
1. Kuldeep Yadav – 5/17, Johannesburg, 2023
Kuldeep Yadav holds the record for the best bowling performance by an Indian bowler against South Africa in T20I cricket. During India’s tour of South Africa in 2023, Kuldeep took 5 wickets for 17 runs in just 2.5 overs. India scored 201/7, with Suryakumar Yadav’s brilliant century leading the way. In reply, Kuldeep’s magical spin bowling destroyed South Africa, and they were bowled out for just 95 runs. India won the match by a massive 106-run margin, with Kuldeep playing a key role in their victory.
These performances show how Indian bowlers have consistently stepped up to take wickets and help India succeed in T20Is against South Africa.
Also Read: Top 5 Batsmen With Most T20I Centuries Against A Single Opponent
