India and South Africa are gearing up for the fourth and final T20 International at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. With India currently leading the series 2-1, a win in this match would secure the series victory for the Men in Blue. Meanwhile, South Africa is determined to even things out at 2-2 and finish on a strong note.
The two teams last clashed at this very venue in December 2023, during India’s multi-format series in South Africa. That tour included two Test matches, three ODIs, and three T20Is. The first T20I of that series was abandoned, but South Africa claimed victory in the next match to lead 1-0.
India, facing the threat of a series loss, had to win the final game to avoid defeat. Under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, a new-look Indian side rose to the challenge and clinched a big win, even without star players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah.
Suryakumar Yadav Shines in India’s Comeback Victory
Suryakumar Yadav, captaining the squad, displayed his brilliance with a commanding century. Put in to bat first, India faced early setbacks, losing Shubman Gill and Tilak Varma quickly. Both batters fell in the same over, courtesy of Keshav Maharaj’s tight bowling.
However, Suryakumar Yadav and Yashasvi Jaiswal stabilized the innings with an impressive 112-run partnership. Even after Jaiswal’s dismissal, Yadav kept the scoreboard moving with consistent boundaries. He reached his century off just 56 balls, powering India to a total of 201/7, which set South Africa a challenging target.
Kuldeep Yadav and the Indian Bowlers Wrap Up the Victory
Defending the high total, India’s bowlers made early breakthroughs. Mukesh Kumar struck in the second over to dismiss Matthew Breetzke, and soon after, Mohammed Siraj ran out Reeza Hendricks. Arshdeep Singh and Ravindra Jadeja kept up the pressure, taking crucial middle-order wickets.
As South Africa struggled, Kuldeep Yadav took charge of the lower order. He struck four times, including the key wicket of David Miller, to complete a five-wicket haul. South Africa’s batting collapsed, and they were bowled out for just 95 runs in 13.5 overs, giving India a resounding 106-run victory.
India’s combined efforts in batting and bowling secured a series-saving win, leaving them ready to go all out in the final game for a series win.
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