India showcased a stellar batting performance, overpowering South Africa by 30 runs in a thrilling ICC Men’s T20 World Cup warm-up match held at the DY Patil Stadium on Wednesday. Despite a valiant effort from South Africa, which featured several explosive innings, they struggled to maintain the necessary run rate following an early loss. While the Proteas exhibited resilience and aggression, India’s bowlers effectively limited them to 210/7, marking a vital win as they prepare for their T20 World Cup opener against the USA on February 7.
Electing to bat first, India set a formidable target of 240/6 in their 20 overs. Opener Ishan Kishan was the star of the show, blasting 53 runs off just 20 balls, including two fours and seven enormous sixes. He formed a rapid 80-run partnership for the first wicket with World No. 1 T20I batter Abhishek Sharma, who contributed 24 runs from 18 balls, hitting three fours and a six.
Tilak Varma, who played in the first T20 World Cup match against the USA, made a significant impact with a swift 45 runs off 19 balls, featuring three fours and three sixes. Captain Suryakumar Yadav added to the score with 30 off 16 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes. Axar Patel also made a notable contribution, scoring an unbeaten 35 off 23 balls, while Hardik Pandya accelerated the innings with a quick-fire 30 off just 10 balls, including two fours and three sixes, helping India post a daunting total of 241 runs.
For South Africa, Corbin Bosch (1/31), Anrich Nortje (1/57), Kwena Maphaka (1/19), and Marco Jansen (1/18) each took a wicket. In their chase, South Africa stumbled early, losing opener George Linde for a duck on the fourth ball. Captain Aiden Markram managed to score 38 off 19 balls before retiring, while wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton made a strong 44 off 21 balls, hitting four boundaries and three sixes in a 65-run partnership for the second wicket.
Star batter Dewald Brevis was dismissed for just two runs, and David Miller added 13 runs to the total. Jason Smith scored 35 off 23 balls, featuring four boundaries and a six. Tristan Stubbs provided some late fireworks with an unbeaten 45 off 21 deliveries, while Marco Jansen also scored 30 off 10 balls. Ultimately, South Africa finished their innings at 210/7, falling short by 30 runs in this high-scoring encounter.
For India, Arshdeep Singh (1/29), Shivam Dube (1/57), Varun Chakaravarthy (1/12), Axar Patel (1/2), and Abhishek Sharma (2/32) were among the wicket-takers.