South Africa defeated India by 6 wickets in the second T20I played at Super Sports Park, Centurion just a few moments ago. JP Duminy won a crucial toss and invited India into bat. India lost 3 early wickets but Manish Pandey and MS Dhoni quickfire partnership of 98 runs in 9.2 overs helped team India to post 189 runs. While chasing South Africa lost 2 early wickets but Klassen 69 and captain’s knock from JP Duminy helped hosts win the match by 6 wickets.
South Africa captain JP Duminy won the toss and invited India into bat. Rohit Sharma was dismissed in the second over for 0 by Junior Dala. Shikhar Dhawan continued his brilliant form and with Suresh Raina added 44 runs in 4.2 overs. Virat Kohli was dismissed cheaply for 1. At the end of 6 overs, India scored 45 for 3. After the first 6 overs, Manish Pandey and Suresh Raina added 45 runs for the 4th wicket.
Manish Pandey looked in good touch and put pressure on the South African bowlers. He reached his half-century off 33 balls. MS Dhoni also played with positive intent. Both Manish Pandey and MS Dhoni added 98 runs in 9.2 overs. The former Indian captain completed his second half-century in T20I cricket off 27 balls. Team India posted 188 for 4 in 20 overs.
Chasing the target of 189, JJ Smuts and Reza Hendricks put on 24 runs for the first wicket. With rain falling and on DLS method South Africa required 42 but lost wicket of Hendricks at the score 38. At the end of six overs, South Africa scored 50 runs. Klassen smashed Yuzvendra Chahal and put pressure on Indian bowlers. Klassen reached his half-century off 22 balls. Both Klassen and JP Duminy added 93 runs for the 3rd wicket.
Team India picked wickets for Klassen and David Miller in quick succession. JP Duminy steadied the innings and reached his half-century off 38 balls. South Africa won the match by 6 wickets with 8 balls to spare.
South Africa 189 for 4 in 18.4 overs ( Klassen 69, JP Duminy 64*, Unadkat 2/42) beat
India 188 for 4 in 20 overs ( Manish Pandey 79*, MS Dhoni 52*, Junior Dala 2/28) by 6 wickets.
Indian captain Virat Kohli said: Manish Pandey and Suresh Raina batted really well, then MS Dhoni and Manish Pandey helped us to get 190. The weather made it hard for bowlers We did not have any problems with the conditions as it was a drizzle. We expected them to show some fight and they deserved to win.
South African captain JP Duminy said: We kept our composure with the bat after taking early wickets. They came hard at us and took 3 early wickets which helped us to keep the score down. To chase down 189 is a pretty good effort. It will be great to play in front of home ground and hope to put a spectacle.
Man of the match Klassen said: It was a special inning on my home ground. It was a great day as my reverse sweeps were going and wanted to put bowlers under pressure. I have got a cool mind and is pleased with the way I am playing cricket.
The series is at 1-1 with deciding match be played at Cape Town on 24th February.
