In a thrilling culmination to the five-match T20I series, India defeated South Africa by 30 runs in the final match in Ahmedabad, securing a 3-1 series victory. Hardik Pandya's explosive batting, Tilak Varma's composed innings, and Varun Chakaravarthy's impressive bowling were the highlights of India's performance, though Suryakumar Yadav's struggles continue.
India, after being put in to bat, posted a formidable total of 231/5 in their 20 overs. The innings was characterized by aggressive intent from the start, with four Indian batters hitting a boundary off their first ball faced. Openers Abhishek Sharma (34 off 21) and Sanju Samson (37 off 22) provided a flying start, putting the South African bowlers under immediate pressure. Samson, opening in place of the injured Shubman Gill, made the most of the opportunity, showcasing his effortless hitting and crossing 1000 T20I runs.
Tilak Varma then anchored the innings with a well-constructed 73 off 42 balls, demonstrating clean strokeplay and smart rotation of the strike. He stabilized the innings after the initial fireworks and then accelerated alongside Hardik Pandya, forming a formidable partnership.
Hardik Pandya's innings was the game-changer, as he smashed a rapid 63 off just 25 balls, reaching his half-century in a mere 16 deliveries. This was the second-fastest T20I fifty by an Indian, only behind Yuvraj Singh's 12-ball record. Walking in after Suryakumar Yadav's early dismissal, Hardik immediately took charge, hitting a flurry of sixes and fours that completely rattled the South African attack. He and Varma added 105 runs in just 7.2 overs, propelling India to a near-unstoppable total.
While the rest of the batting lineup flourished, Suryakumar Yadav's struggles continued, ending the year without an international half-century. He was dismissed cheaply, adding to concerns about his form.
In response, South Africa started strong, reaching 118/1 in ten overs, with Quinton de Kock and Dewald Brevis looking dangerous. De Kock was particularly aggressive, scoring 65 off 35 balls, including nine fours and three sixes. However, Jasprit Bumrah's introduction in the 11th over turned the game. He dismissed De Kock with a sharp return catch, triggering a collapse.
Varun Chakaravarthy then tightened the screws with his variations, finishing with figures of 4-53. Bumrah's excellent spell of 2-17 stood out in a match where over 400 runs were scored. South Africa eventually ended up at 201/8, handing India a comfortable 30-run victory.
India's bowling performance, led by Chakaravarthy and Bumrah, ensured that South Africa's late-order hitting never posed a serious threat. The win marked India's eighth consecutive T20I series win, a streak that started in December 2023. Hardik Pandya was named Player of the Match for his explosive innings, while Varun Chakaravarthy was adjudged Player of the Series for his consistent performance throughout the series.
