New Chandigarh, December 11, 2025 - India's Arshdeep Singh had a day to forget in the second T20I against South Africa at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, delivering a 13-ball over marred by seven wides. The over, the 11th of the South African innings, not only proved costly, conceding 18 runs, but also drew a visibly angry reaction from India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir.
Arshdeep's struggles began after Quinton de Kock launched the first ball of the over for a towering six. Seemingly under pressure, the left-arm pacer then lost his radar, spraying the ball wide of the off-stump repeatedly. Six of the wides were on the off side, with one on the leg side. The over stretched to a painful 13 deliveries, equalling the unwanted T20I record for the most balls bowled in a single over by a full member nation, a record previously held by Afghanistan's Naveen-ul-Haq. Naveen-ul-Haq set the record against Zimbabwe in Harare in 2024. Sisanda Magala of South Africa bowled a 12-ball over against Pakistan in 2021.
Cameras frequently focused on a stern-faced Gautam Gambhir and bowling coach Morne Morkel, who both appeared unimpressed with the bowler's lack of control. Gambhir's reaction quickly went viral on social media.
The over began with de Kock hitting a six off a full delivery. Arshdeep then struggled, bowling a series of wides. After the initial six, de Kock watched as the wides accumulated, adding to South Africa's score. He managed a single off an actual delivery, pulling the ball to deep mid-wicket. Aiden Markram then took a couple through wide long-on, before pulling a shorter ball for another single. De Kock finished the over slicing a fuller delivery over point for one.
Arshdeep's expensive over shifted the momentum in South Africa's favor. Arshdeep had a good performance in the first T20I, where he took two wickets for 14 runs in two overs.
India, who won the toss and chose to bowl first, kept the same starting lineup from their 101-run victory in the series' first game. Suryakumar Yadav, the captain, mentioned dew as a crucial factor and praised his bowlers for their strong showing in the previous game. Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, and Ottneil Baartman were brought in by South Africa in place of Tristan Stubbs, Keshav Maharaj, and Anrich Nortje as they looked to respond strongly after their crushing defeat.
The surface at the newly inaugurated Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium offered good batting conditions. Yuvraj Singh and Harmanpreet Kaur, both World Cup champions, were honored at the stadium with stands named after them.
