India beat South Africa in the fifth and final T20I on Friday by 30 runs to clinch the series 3-1. India were put into hat first and the innings was set up by Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, who put on 63 runs for the first wicket. Tilak scored 73 off 42 balls, hitting 10 fours and a six, and registered his second half-century of the series Hardik Pandya struck the second fastest T20I half-century by an Indian while
Abhishek scored 34, while Samson made 37 with vice-captain Shubman Gill sidelined due to injury. Tilak Varma compiled a fluent 73 as India posted an imposing 232-run target . Pandya smashed 63 off 25 balls in a whirlwind knock studded with five sixes and as many fours. His seventh T20I fifty came off just 16 balls, making it the second fastest by an Indian, behind only Yuvraj Singh’s iconic 12-ball half-century against England at Kingsmead in 2007.
In reply, South Africa started really well with De kock getting a blazing start in the powerplay. Reeza Hendricks departed for 13. Brevis was promoted to 3 and he continued assault with QDK. South Africa were 118/1 in 10 overs and cruising. After drinks, Jasprit Bumrah struck first by removing Quinton de Kock, before Hardik Pandya followed it up by getting the better of Dewald Brevis to swing momentum back in India’s favour.
Varun Chakaravarthy gave away 53 runs but picked up four wickets including Markram and Ferreira in the same over. Bumrah finished with superb figures of 2/17 as India sealed a memorable series. South Africa ended with 201 as India won the game by 30 runs and the series 3-1. Hardik Pandya was the player of the match.
