On Tuesday night, December 12, 2023, at the St George’s Park Cricket Stadium, South Africa won by 5 wickets with 7 balls remaining in the 2nd KFC International T20.
After winning the toss, South Africa allowed the Indian side to bat. India scored 180/7 in 19.3 overs because 20 overs were not completed due to rain during the 1st batting innings. After the rain stopped, South Africa had a target of 152 in 15 overs according to the Duckworth-Lewis method due to time criteria. South Africa achieved the target in 13.5 overs with a team total of 154/5.
Speaking of South Africa’s batting performance, they batted aggressively, with their opening batsmen attacking Indian bowlers and scoring above the required run rate. Their batsman RR Hendricks scored 49 runs in 27 balls, including 8 fours and 1 six; MP Breetzke scored 16 runs in 7 balls with 1 four and 1 six; Captain AK Markram scored 30 runs in 17 balls, including 4 fours and 1 six; David Miller scored 17 runs in 12 balls with the help of 1 four and 1 six; H Klaasen scored 7 runs in 5 balls with 1 six, and finally, T Stubbs scored 14 runs in 12 balls with 2 fours (not out), and Al Phehlukwayo scored 10 runs in 4 balls with 1 six. These two batsmen finished the game for Proteas.
India’s bowlers put in a hard effort, pulling the game into a close contest. Whenever a wicket was required, their bowlers took wickets, but it was a bit challenging due to rain spreading water all over the ground. That’s why gripping the ball and bowling the right length became a little tough for bowlers. For the Indian side, Mohammed Siraj bowled 3 overs, took 1 wicket, and gave away 27 runs; Mukesh Kumar bowled 3 overs, took 2 wickets, and gave away 34 runs, and Kuldeep Yadav bowled 3 overs, took 1 wicket, and gave away 26 runs.
The 2nd T20 match finished with South Africa winning; the 1st was abandoned due to rain, and the 3rd T20 match will be played on December 14, Thursday, at the DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. Let’s see what unfolds in the 3rd T20 — whether South Africa wins or India ties the T20 series.
