2nd T20 South Africa in India, 5 T20I Series, 2025

Right then, that's all from a contest that turned out to be pretty one-sided, with South Africa levelling the series 1-1. The action now shifts to the scenic hills of Dharamsala, where the 3rd T20I will be played at the HPCA Stadium on 14th December, Sunday. The first ball is at 7 pm (1.30 pm GMT), and as always, we'll be live well before that with all the pre-match build-up. Until then, take care and goodbye! 

Quinton de Kock is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his outstanding knock.

Aiden Markram, the victorious skipper of South Africa, says it was much better tonight from his side and praises Quinton de Kock for a special knock, adding that the contributions from others in closing out the innings were also important. He feels the bowlers were good in the first game and were even better this evening, which shows that the team is heading in a good direction. The fielding, he says, has also been sharp. Markram notes that there was something in the pitch for the bowlers with

Suryakumar Yadav, the captain of India, says that they bowled first but couldn't do much at the start. However, they came back well and it is all about learning. Mentions that dew did play a factor but they also should have changed plans when things didn't go their way. Says that he and Shubman Gill needs to take more responsibility as they can't always rely on Abhishek Sharma. Ends by saying that Axar Patel was the better choice at 3 for this game, but they will see how things go in the upco

Presentation Time ...

Ottneil Baartman is up for a quick chat. He says there was nothing too fancy about his approach today. Explains that the two frontline seamers set the tone beautifully upfront, which allowed him to come into the game with clarity. He adds that while Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi looked for swing early on, he and Lutho Sipamla are more 'hit-the-wicket' bowlers, so they focused on varying seam positions to make the most of a surface that tended to skid on. Baartman emphasises that T20 cricket

South Africa will be more than satisfied with their bowling effort. They knew early wickets would be vital, and Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi delivered two gems to remove the Indian openers. Jansen piled on the pressure by dismissing the opposition skipper as well, giving his side firm control of the game. They never really allowed the hosts back in, even with Tilak Varma playing a fine hand. George Linde kept things tight, while Lutho Sipamla chipped in with a couple of wickets. And it on

Earlier in the game, South Africa piled up a massive total that included 15 towering sixes. Quinton de Kock set the tone with a fluent 46-ball 90, while David Miller and Donovan Ferreira unleashed a fiery 53-run stand off just 23 deliveries to close things out. Varun Chakaravarthy was the standout bowler for India with a couple of wickets, and Axar Patel added one more, but beyond that, it was a disappointing outing. The frontline seamers, Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah, took some ser

Tilak Varma was the only one who looked in complete control, refusing to rush like the others. He showcased a wide range of strokes and brought up his 5th T20I fifty, but Hardik Pandya struggled for timing and never quite resembled the batter who rescued India in the first game. Jitesh Sharma walked in and struck a few lusty blows, but by then the asking rate had shot past 15 rpo, and under mounting pressure, he too fell. Tilak kept going in his own rhythm, but with little to no support, it

India needed a flying start in their chase, but things went the other way as Shubman Gill fell for a golden duck, extending his lean patch, while SKY once again couldn’t make much of an impact. Abhishek Sharma got a start but couldn’t carry on either, leaving the hosts three down inside the Powerplay and immediately on the back foot. Axar Patel's promotion didn’t click, and just when he and Tilak Varma began to stitch together a partnership, Axar fell, leaving India wobbling at 67/4.

South Africa level the series with a commanding win! These two sides just keep trading blows on this tour, with neither willing to let the other pull away, making the contest all the more exciting and entertaining. After going down in the first game, the Proteas have bounced back in style here, completely outplaying the hosts in every facet of the game.

Lungi Ngidi to Tilak Varma, OUT! CAUGHT! South Africa complete a dominant win. A scrambled seam delivery, on a good length, around the off pole. Tilak clears the front leg and swings through the line. Fails to get hold of it and the ball goes only as far as long on, where Aiden Markram does the rest. The Proteas win by 51 runs to draw level in the series.

Jasprit Bumrah is the last man in for India.

Ottneil Baartman to Varun Chakaravarthy, OUT! c Aiden Markram b Ottneil Baartman.

Ottneil Baartman to Varun Chakaravarthy, A quick, short ball around the left shoulder, Varun Chakaravarthy swivels and hooks it down to deep fine leg. Tilak Varma refuses the single.

Varun Chakaravarthy comes out to the middle now.

Ottneil Baartman to Arshdeep Singh, OUT! c David Miller b Ottneil Baartman.

Ottneil Baartman to Arshdeep Singh, Bangs it into the deck, outside off, Singh hops and flaps at it but fails to connect.

Ottneil Baartman to Arshdeep Singh, FOUR! Guided away! Going across the left-hander, on a good length. Arshdeep backs away initially and then gets closer to the line. Steers it with an open bat face between backward point and deep third for a boundary.

Who walks out now?

Ottneil Baartman to Shivam Dube, OUT! KNOCKED HIM OVER! Ottneil Baartman strikes on his return to the attack. Skidding through, on a length with an upright seam, Dube hangs on the back foot and looks to drag it away on the leg side. The ball sneaks under the angled bat to crash into the top of the off pole.

Ottneil Baartman (3-0-20-1) to bowl the penultimate over.

Lutho Sipamla to Shivam Dube, Full and outside off, drilled down to long off for a single.

Shivam Dube is the next man in.

Lutho Sipamla to Jitesh Sharma, OUT! c Ottneil Baartman b Lutho Sipamla.

Lutho Sipamla to Jitesh Sharma, SIX! Into the stands! Sipamla goes short but fails to get it high enough to trouble the batter, over off. Sharma picks the slower one and pivots to pull it over deep square leg for a six. 15 runs off the over so far.

Lutho Sipamla to Tilak Varma, Another off-cutter, on a good length, Varma swats it through mid-wicket for a run.

Lutho Sipamla to Tilak Varma, Good effort in the field! Going away, on a length, Tilak is early into the shot and drags it between deep mid-wicket and long on. Dewald Brevis covers good ground to his right at deep mid-wicket and dives to push the ball towards the converging long on fielder. Saves a couple of runs for his side.

Lutho Sipamla to Tilak Varma, SIX! Lutho Sipamla is welcomed back with a biggie. Off-cutter from over the wicket, full and outside off. Tilak reaches out and slams it over wide long off for a six.

Lutho Sipamla replaces Ottneil Baartman.

Marco Jansen to Jitesh Sharma, A sharp and quick short ball, angling across, Jitesh Sharma swings across for the pull but the ball climbs onto him and flies past the blade.

Marco Jansen to Jitesh Sharma, On a shortish length again, on off, Jitesh drags the pull and mistimes it in the vacant mid-wicket region, which allows him to come back for the second.

Marco Jansen to Jitesh Sharma, 2 Byes.

Marco Jansen to Tilak Varma, Leg bye! Keeps it on the slower side, on a length, slanting into the pads. Varma has a swipe across the line but fails to lay any bat on it. A leg bye is taken as the ball goes behind off the pads on the leg side.

Marco Jansen to Jitesh Sharma, Pushes it wider this time, into the surface and pace off, Jitesh drags the pull to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Marco Jansen to Jitesh Sharma, Pushed across the right-hander, on a good length, Jitesh Sharma is deep in the crease and swings a bit too hard. Gets beaten on the inside edge.

Marco Jansen (3-0-22-2) to bowl out now.

Ottneil Baartman to Jitesh Sharma, Pace off and fuller, on off, Sharma clubs it down to long on for a single.

Ottneil Baartman to Jitesh Sharma, FOUR! Oh, dear! George Linde has badly misjudged it.

Ottneil Baartman to Jitesh Sharma, Into the surface, over off, Sharma slaps it back over the bowler's head. Aiden Markram sprints and slides to his right from long off and cuts it off. Two runs taken.

Ottneil Baartman to Jitesh Sharma, SIX! Nicely done! Full toss, down leg, Jitesh Sharma gets low and picks it up off the pads. Sends it way over deep backward square leg for a six.

Ottneil Baartman to Jitesh Sharma, Oh, my! The bail lit up but did not fall.

Ottneil Baartman to Jitesh Sharma, A big swing and a miss! At 131.6 kph, in the channel, on a length, JItesh stays leg side and swings at it but fails to connect.

Lutho Sipamla to Jitesh Sharma, Bangs this into the pitch, on middle, takes pace off, Jitesh Sharma swats it to long on for one. Just 7 runs and a wicket from the over. India need 91 runs in the last 5 overs.

Lutho Sipamla to Jitesh Sharma, Pitched up and on off, Jitesh Sharma drives it to extra cover.

Lutho Sipamla to Jitesh Sharma, Touch fuller and on leg, Jitesh Sharma backs away and steers it to point.

Lutho Sipamla to Jitesh Sharma, Four!

Jitesh Sharma is in next.

Lutho Sipamla to Hardik Pandya, OUT! TAKEN! Lutho Sipamla gets his man this time. Marco Jansen will be a relieved man as his drop does not cost South Africa much here. This is full and angling into the pads. Hardik Pandya stays deep and looks to whip it away but gets it from the toe-end of his bat. It does not get the elevation and flies flat towards deep mid-wicket, where Dewald Brevis makes no mistake. Pandya walks back for a scratchy 20 off 23, and India lose half their side now.

Lutho Sipamla to Hardik Pandya, DROPPED! A massive moment in this game!

Lungi Ngidi to Hardik Pandya, On a length and on middle, Hardik Pandya clips it through mid-wicket for one more. 11 runs from this over as well, 22 in the last two.

Lungi Ngidi to Tilak Varma, Short of a length and on off, Tilak Varma pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Lungi Ngidi to Tilak Varma, Change of pace again, hits the hard length and around off, Tilak Varma lofts it. He does not get it from the middle of the bat but gets enough to clear mid off, who runs backwards and slides to push the ball back inside. Two taken.

Lungi Ngidi to Tilak Varma, FIFTY FOR TILAK! He gets to it with a bang as well.

Lungi Ngidi to Hardik Pandya, A slower one, full and on middle, Hardik Pandya drills it wide of long on for a single.

Lungi Ngidi to Hardik Pandya, Gets away with it!

George Linde to Tilak Varma, Quicker, shortish and on middle, Tilak Varma heaves it away wide of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs. 11 runs off the over.

George Linde to Hardik Pandya, Flighted, full and on leg, Hardik Pandya eases it to long on for one.

George Linde to Tilak Varma, Drags his length back, on middle, Tilak Varma moves back and pulls it to deep square leg for a run.

George Linde to Tilak Varma, Flatter, full and on middle and leg, Tilak Varma goes down for the slog sweep but misses and gets hit on the thigh pad as the ball goes nowhere.

George Linde to Hardik Pandya, Six!

George Linde to Hardik Pandya, Short and on leg, Hardik Pandya nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.

Ottneil Baartman to Hardik Pandya, Hard length and outside off, Hardik Pandya stabs it out towards point for one. Just 5 runs off the over. India need 120 runs in 48 balls now.

Ottneil Baartman to Hardik Pandya, No run.

Ottneil Baartman to Tilak Varma, Right in the blockhole, on the pads, Tilak Varma clips it towards deep square leg for one.

Ottneil Baartman to Hardik Pandya, Good length and on off, Hardik Pandya pats it down towards point for another run.

Ottneil Baartman to Tilak Varma, Fuller and on off, Tilak Varma drills it through covers for a run.

Ottneil Baartman to Hardik Pandya, Back of a length and on middle, Hardik Pandya heaves it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

George Linde to Hardik Pandya, Touch fuller and on off, Hardik Pandya knocks it to mid off for one.

George Linde to Hardik Pandya, JUST SHORT!

George Linde to Hardik Pandya, Arm ball, full and on leg, angling in, Hardik Pandya uses his feet to loft it down the ground but misses and gets hit on the pads.

George Linde to Tilak Varma, Goes short and on middle, Tilak Varma nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.

George Linde to Tilak Varma, SIX! Cracking stroke! Flatter, shortish and around middle. Tilak Varma changes his stance quickly, gets down and nails the reverse sweep over the deep point fence for a biggie.

George Linde to Tilak Varma, So close! Floated, full and on off, angles away. Tilak Varma goes down on one knee to slog sweep it but misses as the ball just goes past the off pole.

DRINKS! South Africa are ahead in this game at the halfway mark, but they will also be wary that India still has some firepower left in the batting. The hosts are trying to build up a partnership, with Tilak Varma looking in good touch, and Hardik Pandya coming off a fine batting display in the first game. The Proteas will know that breaking this pair will be crucial, and as the game goes deep, it will get tougher and tougher to grip the ball with all the dew on the ground. An exciting phase

Lutho Sipamla to Tilak Varma, Skidding through, on a hard length, on off, Varma mistimes the pull wide of mid-wicket and keeps the strike with a single.

Lutho Sipamla to Tilak Varma, SIX! Poor delivery and it gets the treatment! Sipamla looks to go into the wicket and take pace off but gets the line wrong. This is down leg and Tilak gets inside the line. Pulls it flat over the deep fine leg fence for a six.

Lutho Sipamla to Tilak Varma, A well-directed bumper, over middle. Tilak Varma makes a late decision for the pull and does not pick the slower one. The ball sails over his blade and drops in front of Quinton de Kock.

Lutho Sipamla to Hardik Pandya, Angled into the right-hander, on a good length, Hardik eases it to long on and gets to the other end.

Lutho Sipamla to Tilak Varma, On a short of a length, on middle. Tilak nudges it in front of mid-wicket and crosses over.

Lutho Sipamla to Hardik Pandya, Bashes the hard length, on off, Hardik stands tall and works it wide of point for a single.

George Linde to Hardik Pandya, Nearly sneaked through! Fired in at the sticks from around the wicket, on the fuller side. Pandya tentatively pushes at the ball. It catches the inside edge and goes towards short fine leg for a single. A tidy start from Linde. Just 4 runs off it. 6 runs off the last 2 overs and the pressure of the required run rate is mounting on India.

George Linde to Hardik Pandya, Darted in by Linde, on middle. Hardik can only push it back to the bowler. Can George finish well?

George Linde to Tilak Varma, Keeps it flat, on a nagging length, on off, Varma pushes it away to long on for one more.

George Linde to Hardik Pandya, Flat and short, outside off, Hardik advances down the track and flat bats it to deep cover for a run.

George Linde to Tilak Varma, A bit fuller, around leg, Tilak turns it through square leg for a single.

George Linde to Tilak Varma, No run.

George Linde has been introdcued into the attack now.

Ottneil Baartman to Hardik Pandya, Drags the length back, angled in on middle. Pandya shimmies down the track and taps it to cover. End of a good over from Baartman. A wicket and just 2 runs off it.

Ottneil Baartman to Hardik Pandya, Pace off and fuller, on off, Hardik guides it to backward point.

Ottneil Baartman to Hardik Pandya, No run.

Hardik Pandya walks out to bat with a big cheer from the crowd.

Ottneil Baartman to Axar Patel, OUT! CAUGHT! A fine low grab from Reeza Hendricks and South Africa break through just as India seemed to be gaining a bit of momentum.

Has that carried? Reeza Hendricks is not sure, and the third umpire has been called in to check the legality of the catch.

Ottneil Baartman to Tilak Varma, Goes into the surface again, outside off, Varma takes a step across and drags the pull to long on for one more.

Ottneil Baartman to Axar Patel, On a hard length, over off, Axar swivels for the pull but gets an inside edge down to deep fine leg for a single.

Double change. Ottneil Baartman replaces Marco Jansen.

Donovan Ferreira to Tilak Varma, Two is the call and they get it! Drops it short and quick, on middle and leg, Tilak tucks it with soft hands in the vacant mid-wicket region. Donovan Ferreira thought about going after it but then bailed out. Dewald Brevis charges in and gets rid of the ball but cannot prevent Axar from completing the second run.

Donovan Ferreira to Tilak Varma, This is slowed down, on the fuller side, Varma lunges and eases it in front of point.

Donovan Ferreira to Tilak Varma, FOUR! In the gap! Pushed through by Donovan, shorter and quicker, on middle. Tilak Varma backs away to pick his spot. Cuts it to the right of deep point for a boundary.

Donovan Ferreira to Axar Patel, Short and at the pads, Patel nurdles it behind square on the leg side for a single.

Donovan Ferreira to Axar Patel, SIX! In the arc and Axar Patel goes big! Sliding on with the arm, fuller and on off. Axar frees his arms and launches it over long on for a six.

Donovan Ferreira to Tilak Varma, 1 run.

Donovan Ferreira comes into the attack right after the Powerplay.

Marco Jansen to Axar Patel, Fuller and in the channel, Axar steers it straight to short third. Not much seperating the two sides in terms of the runs at this stage as South Africa scored 53 runs in the Powerplay but India have lost a couple of wickets more than the tourists.

Marco Jansen to Tilak Varma, This is on a hard length, around off, nips away off the deck. Tilak looks to get behind the line and keep it out with a straight bat. Gets squared up as the ball goes off the outer half behind point for one more.

Marco Jansen to Axar Patel, Pace taken off and into the surface, outside off, Axar stays leg side of the ball and swings a bit too hard. Loses his shape in the process and drags it towards mid on for one.

Marco Jansen to Axar Patel, Lands it on a short of a length, outside off, Patel swings at it and slices it off the bottom half of the bat. Gets enough bat on it to clear mid off. Aiden Markram gives it a chase and hauls it in with a slide. Two runs taken.

Marco Jansen to Tilak Varma, On a hard length, on off, Varma rides the bounce and drops it in front of short third for a single.

Marco Jansen to Axar Patel, Risky single! Short and wide on off, Axar flat bats it in front of mid off and starts running as soon as he hits it. It goes straight to Aiden Markram, who picks it up cleanly and has a shy at the bowling end but misses. Axar was gone had the throw hit.

Lutho Sipamla to Tilak Varma, On a length and on leg, Tilak Varma glances it towards deep fine leg for a couple of runs. 13 runs off Sipamla's first over.

Lutho Sipamla to Tilak Varma, SIX! Even better now! Back of a length but around the leg stump line. Tilak Varma gets inside the line of it and helps it on its way over the deep fine leg fence for a biggie.

Lutho Sipamla to Tilak Varma, FOUR! Gets it away! Fuller delivery and around off. Tilak Varma uses his feet, stays leg side of the ball and thumps it to the right of mid off for a boundary.

Lutho Sipamla to Axar Patel, Short of a length and outside off, Axar Patel backs away and cuts it to deep point for a single.

Lutho Sipamla to Axar Patel, On a length and on middle, Axar Patel pats it towards mid off.

Lutho Sipamla to Axar Patel, Fuller and on middle, Axar Patel knocks it back to the bowler.

Marco Jansen to Tilak Varma, No run.

Tilak Varma is in at number 5.

Marco Jansen to Suryakumar Yadav, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Excellent review from South Africa, and Marco Jansen gets his second. An appeal for caught behind, but turned down! Marco Jansen looks the most interested, but Quinton de Kock is not sure. However, after a long conversation with the keeper, bowler, and the slip, Aiden Markram goes upstairs with 3 seconds to go.

Marco Jansen to Suryakumar Yadav, Pitched up and on off, Suryakumar Yadav drives it wide of cover, where Dewald Brevis dives to his right to make a fine stop.

Marco Jansen to Axar Patel, On a legnth and on middle, Axar Patel knocks it towards mid on for a run.

Marco Jansen to Suryakumar Yadav, Back of a length and on off, Suryakumar Yadav steers it throughj point for a single.

Marco Jansen to Suryakumar Yadav, FOUR! Beautiful shot!

Marco Jansen to Suryakumar Yadav, WIDE! Fuller but way outside off, Suryakumar Yadav leaves it alone. Wided.

Lungi Ngidi to Axar Patel, FOUR! Up and over! Pitched up and just outside off. Axar Patel gets the chance to free his arms and lofts it over extra cover for a boundary.

Lungi Ngidi to Axar Patel, Touch fuller, on middle and off, Axar Patel uses his feet to slog it across the line but loses his shape and bunts it back towards the bowler. Ngidi dives to his right to make the stop on the followthrough.

Lungi Ngidi to Axar Patel, Bangs this into the pitch, outside off, Axar Patel chases after it, but gets a bottom edge that bets the keeper to his left and goes behind. Two taken.

Lungi Ngidi to Axar Patel, No run.

Lungi Ngidi to Axar Patel, No run.

Lungi Ngidi to Axar Patel, Short of a length and outside off, angling away, Axar Patel tries to cut it away but misses.

India's skipper, Suryakumar Yadav comes out to bat.

Marco Jansen to Abhishek Sharma, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Marco Jansen with an absolute peach of a delivery.

Marco Jansen to Abhishek Sharma, Short of a legnth and outside off, Abhishek Sharma looks to slap it away but gets it from the toe-end of the bat. It flies over extra cover but slows down in the outfield. Two taken. The umpire checks for a short run, and the replay shows that Abhishek just about gets his bat over the line at the other end.

Marco Jansen to Axar Patel, Good length and around off, Axar Patel runs it down to deep third man for a single.

Marco Jansen to Axar Patel, No run.

Marco Jansen to Abhishek Sharma, Bye.

Marco Jansen to Abhishek Sharma, SIX! BOOM! Welcome to the game, Marco Jansen. He lands this back of a length and around off, sits up nicely for the batter. Abhishek Sharma stands tall and pulls it with disdain over the deep square leg fene for another biggie.

Who will bowl from the other end?

Lungi Ngidi to Axar Patel, No run.

Axar Patel is in at number 3.

Lungi Ngidi to Shubman Gill, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Lungi Ngidi draws first blood, and Shubman Gill's miserable run continues.

Lungi Ngidi to Abhishek Sharma, Short of a length and on middle, nips back in a bit, Abhishek Sharma swipes it off the inside half of the bat to deep square leg for a run.

Lungi Ngidi to Abhishek Sharma, SIX! BANG! Did not take long for Abhishek Sharma to go big. This is fuller and just outside off. Sharma extends his arms to reach out for it and carves it over the deep extra cover fence for the first biggie of the chase.

Lungi Ngidi to Abhishek Sharma, No run.

Lungi Ngidi to Abhishek Sharma, Intent right away from Abhishek Sharma! Lungi Ngidi starts with good-length delivery, on middle, angling away. Abhishek uses his feet to pull it away but gets an inside edge through square leg for a couple of runs. India are up and running in the chase!

... THE RUN CHASE ...

However, Arshdeep and Bumrah both struggled miserably in the dewy conditions, with their yorkers repeatedly going wrong. David Miller and Donovan Ferreira cashed in brilliantly at the end, stitching together a 23-ball 53-run stand that gave the Proteas a powerful finish. 49 runs came off the final 3 overs that propelled the tourists to 213.

In search of a breakthrough, Suryakumar Yadav turned to Arshdeep Singh. After an ineffective Powerplay spell, Arshdeep struggled even more on his return, conceding seven wides in an 18-run over that took him 13 balls to complete. That left Suryakumar scratching his head for answers as Quinton continued to motor along. India found an opening with the wickets of de Kock and Dewald Brevis heading into the death overs, which allowed them to squeeze in a couple of quiet overs.

A solid batting effort from the Proteas, and they will be quite pleased with what they have ended up with. India left much to be desired with the ball, and they were made to pay for it. Having been asked to bat first, Quinton de Kock got off the blocks quickly and powered South Africa to a rapid start, with 53 runs coming in the Powerplay. In the middle phase, Aiden Markram did consume a few dot balls and wasn’t as fluent as his partner, but de Kock remained unfazed and kept the innings movin

Jasprit Bumrah to Donovan Ferreira, Big swing and a miss to end! Jasprit Bumrah goes full, follows the batter and bowls it on leg. Donovan Ferreira backs away and has a wild slog across the line but misses. Jitesh Sharma, the keeper, dives to his left but only makes a half stop. The batters steal a bye. South Africa finish on 213/4!

Jasprit Bumrah to Donovan Ferreira, 2 runs.

Jasprit Bumrah to Donovan Ferreira, SIX! Oh..wow! That is a monster hit. Jasprit Bumrah bangs this into the pitch again, on middle, angling in. Donovan Ferreira backs away again, but this time manages to get on top of it and hammers it over the deep square leg fence into the second tier for half a dozen more.

Jasprit Bumrah to Donovan Ferreira, Back of a length and on middle, angling into the body of the batter. Donovan Ferreira backs away but gets cramped up for room. He miscues his pull off the top edge towards the vacant mid-wicket region for a couple of runs.

Jasprit Bumrah to Donovan Ferreira, SIX! Sheer power! Jasprit Bumrah serves a full toss, on middle, begging to be put away. Donovan Ferreira gets his front leg out of the way and dispatches it over the bowler's head for a biggie. 200 UP FOR SOUTH AFRICA.

Jasprit Bumrah to David Miller, Short of a length and on middle and leg, David Miller heaves it away to deep mid-wicket for a single.

India have been penalised for slow over rate. They will be allowed only 4 fielders outside the 30-yard circle for the final over.

Arshdeep Singh to David Miller, Hits the length hard and on middle, angling in, David Miller gets cramped up and pulls it through square leg for just one. 16 runs off the over, 31 iin the last two.

Arshdeep Singh to David Miller, Arshdeep Singh sees the batter back away and nails the wide yorker, outside off. Keeps it inside the tramline. David Miller leaves it along but gets nothing from the umpire.

Arshdeep Singh to David Miller, SIX! BOOM! David Miller special.

Change of bat for David Miller.

Arshdeep Singh to Donovan Ferreira, Low full toss, on middle, Donovan Ferreira hoicks it away to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Arshdeep Singh to Donovan Ferreira, WIDE! Tries the wide yorker, but spills it just otuside the tramline, Donovan Ferreira fails to reach it. Called a wide again.

Arshdeep Singh to Donovan Ferreira, WIDE! Errs in line and serves this full, down the leg side, Donovan Ferreira lets it go. Wided.

Arshdeep Singh to Donovan Ferreira, Good comeback! Bangs in a quick and sharp bouncer, on middle, Donovan Ferreira looks to pull it away but gets hurried and misses.

Arshdeep Singh to Donovan Ferreira, SIX! Powered away! Arshdeep Singh is not having a great night. He starts this over with a juicy full toss around off. Donovan Ferreira stays deep inside his crease, fetches it and launches it way over the long on fence for a biggie.

Jasprit Bumrah to David Miller, No run.

Jasprit Bumrah to David Miller, FOUR! Jasprit Bumrah is struggling with his lengths here! He serves yet another full toss around off. David Miller gets the chance to free his arms, but once again just looks to time it. He caresses it through covers for another boundary.

Jasprit Bumrah to David Miller, 2 runs.

Jasprit Bumrah to David Miller, FOUR LEG BYES! A bit unlucky for Jasprit Bumrah this time.

Jasprit Bumrah to David Miller, FOUR! Nicely done! Jasprit Bumrah misses his length again and bowls a full toss, on middle. David Miller does not try to hit it hard. He just presents the full face of the bat and thumps it past the bowler for a boundary.

Jasprit Bumrah to Donovan Ferreira, Low full toss around off, Donovan Ferreira tries to hit it a bit too hard and miscues it towards long off for just a single.

Axar Patel to Donovan Ferreira, Quicker, shortish and on midlee, Donovan Ferreira stays back and clips it through square leg for one. A couple of quiet overs from India and the pressure is back on the Proteas now.

Axar Patel to David Miller, 1 run.

Axar Patel to David Miller, Flat and short, going across, chopped to backward point.

Axar Patel to Donovan Ferreira, 1 run.

Axar Patel to David Miller, Flighted, full and on middle, David Miller drills it to long on for a single.

David Miller comes out to bat.

Axar Patel to Dewald Brevis, OUT! TAKEN! Axar Patel strikes now.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Donovan Ferreira, FOUR! Finally connects with one! Flatter, full and on middle, Donovan Ferreira goes down to swipe it away but gets it from the inside half of his bat. However, it races between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket for a boundary. Just 4 runs and a big wicket from the over.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Donovan Ferreira, Tossed up, on off, Donovan Ferreira taps it in front of cover and wants to sneak in a single but is sent back.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Donovan Ferreira, No run.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Donovan Ferreira, No run.

Donovan Ferreira is in next.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Donovan Ferreira, No run.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Quinton de Kock, OUT! STUMPED! A superb piece of keeping, and India finally gets the big fish. Something special was needed to get QDK out, and Jitesh Sharma has provided it.

Varun Chakaravarthy (3-0-25-2) to bowl out now.

Shivam Dube to Dewald Brevis, Dube gets away with it!

Shivam Dube to Dewald Brevis, SIX! Shubman Gill's effort goes in vain!

Shivam Dube to Dewald Brevis, Nails the yorker, outside off, Brevis squeezes it out back to the bowler. So far, so good from Dube.

Shivam Dube to Quinton de Kock, Pace off and going across the left-hander, on a short of a length, de Kock forces it down to long off for a single.

Shivam Dube to Dewald Brevis, Wide yorker, Dewald walks across and digs it out in front of extra cover for a run.

Shivam Dube to Quinton de Kock, Full and on off, Quinton de Kock swings at it but the bat turns in his hand at the point of impact. Miscues it towards long on off the inner half for a single. A scream of anguish from QDK on missing out.

Hardik Pandya to Quinton de Kock, Full at pace, on off, knocked down to long on for one more. A productive over for South Africa. 17 runs off it.

Hardik Pandya to Quinton de Kock, Dishes out the slower ball, full and on off, QDK jams it out in the vacant mid-wicket region and comes charging back for the second run.

Hardik Pandya to Quinton de Kock, SIX! All too easy for Quinton de Kock! Pace on, right in the slot, on middle and leg. This is bread and butter for Quinton, who plays the pick-up shot and clears the deep square leg fence for a six.

Hardik Pandya to Quinton de Kock, Smart batting! Into the surface, another off-pace delivery, on off, QDK lets the ball come to him and just drops it with soft hands in the vacant square leg region. Quinton calls for two straight away and he gets it.

Hardik Pandya to Quinton de Kock, Four!

Hardik Pandya to Dewald Brevis, Short and wide on off, Brevis takes a step across and slaps it to deep cover for a single.

Hardik Pandya to Dewald Brevis, Wide! Pandya bangs it in short but this sails over the batter's head. Brevis hops to play the upper cut but misses. Don't think this is the correct option with third man inside the circle.

Shivam Dube to Dewald Brevis, Gets the yorker in, outside off, DB miscues it off the inner half of the blade to long on for a run.

Shivam Dube to Dewald Brevis, Well bowled! Into the wicket, pace off and near the tramline on off. Dewald reaches out and hops to flay it away but misses.

Shivam Dube to Dewald Brevis, FOUR! Up and over! Dube takes pace off but gets the length wrong. This is neither short nor full. It sits up to be hit at thigh height. Brevis waits on it and muscles it over the man at mid off for a boundary.

Shivam Dube to Quinton de Kock, Right in the blockhole, going across the batter, QDK jams it out to long off for one.

Shivam Dube to Dewald Brevis, Angled in at the hips, on a short of a length, Dewald taps it with a straight bat to long on for a run.

Shivam Dube to Dewald Brevis, Wide! Drifts down leg, on the fuller side, Brevis tries to help it away but misses.

Dewald Brevis comes out to the middle now. Also, Shivam Dube comes into the attack.

Shivam Dube to Quinton de Kock, On middle and leg, on a back of a length, Quinton de Kock swivels to pull it to deep backward square leg for a single.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Aiden Markram, OUT! CAUGHT! Varun Chakaravarthy breaks through! Tossed up by Varun from around the wicket, full and on middle and leg. Aiden Markram clears the front leg and has a hoick across the line. Gets it right off the toe end of the bat and the ball goes only as far as deep mid-wicket. Axar Patel makes no mistake in the deep.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Aiden Markram, Shorter and pushed across the right-hander, Markram makes room to force it through the off side but ends up getting an inside edge onto the pads.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Aiden Markram, No run.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Aiden Markram, SIX! Two in two for Aiden Markram! Looped up, full and outside off, Markram shimmies down the track and reaches out in front to drag it over deep mid-wicket for another six. Varun Chakaravarthy under pressure.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Aiden Markram, SIX! Straight as an arrow! Floated up, full and at the sticks. Markram backs away, clears the front leg and lets his hands flow into the shot. Tonks it over the sight screen for a six.

Varun Chakaravarthy (2-0-12-1) is back on.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Quinton de Kock, Drops it short, on off, de Kock steers it with an open bat face in front of short third. Jasprit Bumrah is caught on his heels there and the batters pinch in a quick single.

Arshdeep Singh to Quinton de Kock, Full and on off, de Kock slices it over cover and picks up a single. A 13-ball over comes to an end. 18 runs off it.

Arshdeep Singh to Quinton de Kock, Wide! Quinton de Kock will feel that he missed out here. Low full toss, sprayed down leg, Quinton misses out on the tickle. 

Arshdeep Singh to Aiden Markram, Goes short and over off, Aiden Markram gets his hands high and plays the tennis forehand to long on for one.

Arshdeep Singh to Aiden Markram, Takes pace off and goes full, on off, Markram wrists it between deep mid-wicket and long on for a brace. 15 runs off the over so far.

Arshdeep Singh to Quinton de Kock, Into the surface, outside off, Quinton de Kock hammers it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Arshdeep Singh to Quinton de Kock, Wide!

Arshdeep Singh to Quinton de Kock, Wide! Oh, dear! Make that five wides in the over. 11 runs and just 2 legal balls. Sticks to the wide line with a deep backward point and deep point in place but drifts wide again.

Arshdeep Singh to Quinton de Kock, Wide!

Arshdeep Singh to Quinton de Kock, Wide! Drags the length back but this is well wide on off. De Kock lets it pass.

Arshdeep Singh to Quinton de Kock, In the channel, yorker, Quinton de Kock tries to take it on the full and play the reverse scoop but misses.

Arshdeep Singh to Quinton de Kock, Wide! And again. This is even wider, Quinton de Kock offers no shot.

Arshdeep Singh to Quinton de Kock, Wide! Looks to keep it away from the batter but this is just beyond the tramline. QDK lets it go.

Arshdeep Singh to Quinton de Kock, SIX! Launched down the ground! Arshdeep serves it right in the slot, on off, Quinton de Kock is allowed to free his arms and he swings through the line. Holds his shape and pumps it over long off for a six.

DRINKS BREAK! This has been a strong start from South Africa, and the launchpad is well set with plenty of batting still to come. Quinton de Kock has looked a million dollars, while Aiden Markram hasn’t quite found his rhythm yet. His role for now will be to keep the strike rotating and avoid dot balls, an area he has been guilty of slipping into so far. India, meanwhile, haven’t been at their best with the ball. On this surface, the quicker you bowl, the quicker it goes, and the South Af

Axar Patel to Quinton de Kock, Fires one full and on leg, Quinton de Kock works it to deep mid-wicket for one. 11 runs off the over.

Axar Patel to Aiden Markram, Short and wide outside off, Aiden Markram rocks back and cuts it to deep point for one.

Axar Patel to Aiden Markram, No run.

Axar Patel to Quinton de Kock, Short again and on leg, Quinton de Kock nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.

Axar Patel to Quinton de Kock, Goes short and on middle, Quinton de Kock moves back and clips it through square leg and calls for the second right away. Takes on Shivam Dube and gets home safely with the throw coming at the other end anyway.

Axar Patel to Quinton de Kock, SIX! Excellent use of the feet! Flatter, full and on off. Quinton de Kock skips down the track to get to the pitch of it and tonks it over the bowler's head for a biggie.

Hardik Pandya to Aiden Markram, Short again and on middle and leg, slower too, Aiden Markram waits for it and slaps it wide of long on for a brace.

Hardik Pandya to Aiden Markram, Bangs this into the pitch, gives no pace to the batter. Aiden Markram uses his feet and tries to swat it away but goes through his shot decades early and misses with the ball arriving very late.

Hardik Pandya to Aiden Markram, Wide!

Hardik Pandya to Quinton de Kock, 1 run.

Hardik Pandya to Quinton de Kock, FOUR! FIFTY FOR QDK! 17th half-century in T20Is and he gets to it in just 26 balls.

Hardik Pandya to Aiden Markram, Full and on middle, Aiden Markram drills it to long off for a single.

Hardik Pandya to Aiden Markram, Beaten! Hardik Pandya sees the batter back away, lands this on a good length, outside off, but takes all the pace off. Aiden Markram tries to cut it away but fails to reach it and misses.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Quinton de Kock, FOUR! That spoils the over a bit!

Varun Chakaravarthy to Aiden Markram, Goes short again and on middle, Aiden Markram forces it down to long on for one.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Aiden Markram, Good fielding! This is pushed through quicker, short and on off, Aiden Markram punches it wide of extra cover and calls for the run. SKY dives to his left to make a fantastic stop and batters quickly return to their respective creases.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Quinton de Kock, Flatter, full and on middle, angling in, Quinton de Kock clips it through mid-wicket for a run.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Quinton de Kock, Tossed up, full and on middle, Quinton de Kock tucks it with soft hands into the vacant mid-wicket region and comes back for the second run with ease.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Aiden Markram, Floated, short and around leg, Aiden Markram stays back and flicks it to deep backward square leg for a single.

Hardik Pandya to Quinton de Kock, Pitched up and on off, takes pace off again, Quinton de Kock pushes it to extra cover.

Hardik Pandya to Quinton de Kock, WIDE! An attempted slower bouncer, on off, but this is too high for the batter. Quinton de Kock waits for it and tries to upper cut it but misses. Called a wide by the square leg umpire.

Hardik Pandya to Quinton de Kock, JUST SHORT! Hardik Pandya tries the yorker but ends up serving a low full toss, on middle. Quinton de Kock picks it up and whips it away but fails to keep it down. It flies towards deep mid-wicket, where Abhishek Sharma runs forward and dives for the catch but the ball just bounces in front of him and gets parried away off his body. Two taken.

Hardik Pandya to Quinton de Kock, FOUR! Gets it away this time! Hardik Pandya lands this short of a length and outside off again. Quinton de Kock uses the width on offer and punches it sweetly through extra cover for a boundary. He moves into the 40s now.

Hardik Pandya to Quinton de Kock, Back of a length and outside off, Quinton de Kock steps across to guide it away but fails to beat backward point.

Hardik Pandya to Aiden Markram, Full again and on middle, Aiden Markram eases it towards long on for a single.

Hardik Pandya to Aiden Markram, A slower one, full and on middle, Aiden Markram drills it down the pitch. Hardik Pandya tries to get a hand on it on the followthrough but fails to do so as the ball crashes into the stumps at the non-striker's end and goes nowhere.

Axar Patel to Quinton de Kock, Quicker, full and on the pads, Quinton de Kock clips it away but straight to square leg. South Africa are 53/1 at the end of the Powerplay.

Axar Patel to Quinton de Kock, WIDE! Fires one full but down the leg side, Quinton de Kock leaves it alone. Wided.

Axar Patel to Quinton de Kock, SIX! Into the stands! Axar Patel continues to bowl short, this one is on middle and off. Quinton de Kock picks up the length early, moves back and opens up his body. He connects it right from the middle of the bat and whacks it over the deep square leg fence for his third biggie of the game. Alsos, 50 up for South Africa.

Axar Patel to Aiden Markram, 1 run.

Axar Patel to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Put away nicely!

Axar Patel to Aiden Markram, Floated, full and on middle, Aiden Markram crouches low to swipe it across the line but gets a bottom edge as the ball rolls towards short fine.

Double change. Spin from both ends now as Axar Patel comes into the attack.

Axar Patel to Aiden Markram, Flatter, short and around off, Aiden Markram backs away to cut it away but miscues it towards point due to the extra bounce.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Aiden Markram, Chance?

Varun Chakaravarthy to Quinton de Kock, A bit too short, on off, Quinton de Kock whips it from the crease to the right of deep mid-wicket. QDK calls for two but Abhishek Sharma is quick in the deep to get around and keeps the batters down to a single.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Aiden Markram, Flat and short, on the off pole. Markram punches it down the deck. Varun fails to make the stop to his right and Aiden is off the mark with a single.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Aiden Markram, Short and sliding onto the pads, Aiden wrists it off the back foot to mid-wicket.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Aiden Markram, Fuller and another googly, on off, Aiden Markram lunges and taps it to mid off.

Aiden Markram walks out to bat at number 3.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Reeza Hendricks, OUT! b Varun Chakaravarthy.

Change? Yes, time for some mystery spin as Varun Chakaravarthy replaces Arshdeep Singh.

Jasprit Bumrah to Quinton de Kock, SIX! Quinton de Kock looks in the mood tonight! Fractionally short by Bumrah, on middle. Quinton crouches a bit to get under the ball and pivots to unleash the pull. Hits it away from the man at deep square leg to his left for a six. An expensive over from Bumrah. 16 runs off it.

Jasprit Bumrah to Reeza Hendricks, A low full toss, on middle, dips a bit on the batter, Reeza Hendricks pushes it to the left of mid off for a single.

Jasprit Bumrah to Quinton de Kock, Rolls his fingers on the ball, on a short of a length, on middle, Quinton tucks it beside the strip on the leg side and takes a single.

Jasprit Bumrah to Reeza Hendricks, Two wides! Bumrah spots Reeza backing away and follows him with a quick, short ball. Hendricks tries to take it on but the ball flies past his blade, down leg. The keeper, Jitesh Sharma flings himself to his left and gets a hand on it. The ball is parried away to deep fine leg and the batters cross over for one.

Jasprit Bumrah to Reeza Hendricks, SIX! Clean strike! Angled in at 141.9 kph, on a back of a length, on middle. This sits up to be hit and Hendricks swivels to pull it over deep square leg for a six.

Jasprit Bumrah to Reeza Hendricks, Pace taken off, on a length, on off, Hendricks guides it to backward point.

Jasprit Bumrah to Reeza Hendricks, Bumrah looks to fire it in full but ends up serving a full toss, on middle. It comes at an awkward height and Reeza tugs it to mid-wicket.

Arshdeep Singh to Reeza Hendricks, A searing yorker, tailing back in late, at the toes. Reeza Hendricks gets his bat down in time and digs it out in front of mid-wicket for a single to get off the mark.

Arshdeep Singh to Reeza Hendricks, Pushed across the batter, full in length, Hendricks firms the drive to mid off.

Arshdeep Singh to Quinton de Kock, Lands it on a back of a length, on top of off, QDK drops it with soft hands in front of point and gets to the other end quickly.

Arshdeep Singh to Quinton de Kock, SIX! That has gone way back into the stands! Neither short nor full, it comes at thigh height to QDK, around the off stump. De Kock is standing out of his crease and he climbs into it. Dispatches the pull over deep square leg for a biggie.

Arshdeep Singh to Quinton de Kock, No run.

Arshdeep Singh to Quinton de Kock, FOUR! Put away! Arshdeep goes into the surface, over off. Quinton de Kock rises with the bounce and pulls it off the back foot over mid-wicket. He does not get it from the middle of the bat and the ball teases Shivam Dube all the way through before touching the boundary cushions.

Jasprit Bumrah to Quinton de Kock, At 140.2 kph, yorker from Bumrah but a bit too straight, Quinton de Kock tries to tickle it fine but only manages to get a feather on it. The ball deflects off the pads to deep fine leg for a single.

Jasprit Bumrah to Quinton de Kock, Very full and wide on off, de Kock reaches out and knocks it to cover.

Jasprit Bumrah to Quinton de Kock, Swing and a miss! Fuller and leaving the left-hander from over the wicket, Quinton de Kock has a swipe across the line to go big on the leg side but fails to connect.

Jasprit Bumrah to Reeza Hendricks, Leg bye.

Jasprit Bumrah to Reeza Hendricks, Beaten! Swinging away, on a length, Reeza pushes out in front with a straight bat and plays for the ball angling into him. This moves away and Hendricks gets beaten past the outside edge.

Jasprit Bumrah to Reeza Hendricks, Starts with a good-length delivery, around the off stump, Reeza Hendricks presents a straight bat and pushes it towards mid off.

Jasprit Bumrah to share the attack.

Arshdeep Singh to Quinton de Kock, No run.

Arshdeep Singh to Quinton de Kock, SIX! A Quinton de Kock special! Slanting into the pads, on a length, de Kock plays his trademark pick-up shot off the pads. Clears the deep backward square leg fence with ease for the first six of the night.

Arshdeep Singh to Quinton de Kock, 2 runs.

Arshdeep Singh to Quinton de Kock, RUN OUT CHANCE MISSED!

Arshdeep Singh to Quinton de Kock, Drags the length back, on middle, de Kock hangs back and tries to work it away on the leg side with a closed bat face but ends up dropping it at his feet.

Arshdeep Singh to Quinton de Kock, Shape straight away for Arshdeep! Curving away from the left-hander from over the wicket, on a good length, Quinton de Kock shoulders arms.

We are all set to get underway! The crowd has turned up in big numbers here in Mullanpur for the first-ever men's international at this venue. It's a cold evening, but the energy in the stands is electric. The two umpires now make their way to the middle, and the Indian players follow right behind, fanning out to take their positions on the field. Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks are the two openers for South Africa. Arshdeep Singh has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play.

The skipper of South Africa, Aiden Markram says he would have bowled first as well. He feels it looks like a pretty good wicket to the eye. Shares that there haven’t been many international games played here, but they will look to put a good total on the board and then try to put India under pressure with the ball. Aiden adds that there are always lessons to take from nights like the previous game, but they don’t want to dwell too much on that loss. Markram admits he is not entirely sure

India's captain Suryakumar Yadav says that they will bowl first. Adds that while the dew already started to settle while they were warming up. Mentions that this has been a great ground to play in franchise cricket, but a Women's international game also happened here, which was good, and he is excited as this is the first Men's international at this ground. Says that everyone must know their responsibility and they batted really well in the last match and reckons 175 was a little above par. Tel

South Africa (Playing XI) - Quinton de Kock(WK), Aiden Markram(C), Reeza Hendricks, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, George Linde, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Lutho Sipamla, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman.

India (Unchanged Playing XI) - Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah. 

TOSS - 'Tails' is the call from Aiden Markram, but it has come down as a head. India have elected to BOWL first.