Kuldeep Yadav's spin wizardry, aided by the pitch offering assistance to the spinners, dismantled the South African batting lineup.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav’s extraordinary century and Kuldeep Yadav’s magical five-wicket haul propelled India to a commanding 106-run victory over South Africa in the third and final T20I in Johannesburg, levelling the series on Thursday. Suryakumar’s remarkable century, scoring 100 off just 56 balls with seven fours and eight sixes, alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal’s fluent 60 off 41 balls, steered India to a formidable total of 201/7 after being put in to bat. The left-arm wrist spinner, Kuldeep Yadav, celebrating his 29th birthday, showcased his skillful bowling, claiming an impressive 5/17. His exceptional performance ensured South Africa was bundled out for a mere 95 runs in 13.5 overs.
Suryakumar Yadav, joining the elite ranks of Rohit Sharma and Glenn Maxwell, achieved his fourth T20I century, setting a rapid record. Notably, he reached this milestone in just 57 innings, making him the fastest player to accomplish such a feat. The partnership between Suryakumar and Jaiswal, contributing 112 runs for the fourth wicket, played a pivotal role in India’s recovery after losing early wickets. The duo’s strategic batting approach, especially in the latter part of the innings, propelled India to a commanding position.
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Suryakumar’s innings, marked by a stunning array of shots, showcased his dominance over the South African bowlers. He unleashed a flurry of boundaries and sixes, displaying his versatility across the pitch. However, his departure after a well-deserved century didn’t hamper India’s competitive total. In response, South Africa struggled from the start of their innings. Pacer Mohammed Siraj’s maiden over set the tone for India’s disciplined bowling performance. Kuldeep Yadav’s spin wizardry, aided by the pitch offering assistance to the spinners, dismantled the South African batting lineup. Notably, the absence of Suryakumar in the field, due to an ankle injury, did not impede India’s strong defense.
Captain Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen’s early dismissals further weakened South Africa’s position, sealing their fate. The Indian bowlers, led by Kuldeep, exploited the Proteas’ vulnerability against quality spin, securing a comprehensive victory. While Suryakumar’s injury raised concerns, Ravindra Jadeja efficiently filled in for the captain during the rest of South Africa’s innings. With this resounding win, India showcased a balanced performance with both bat and ball, ensuring a series-leveling triumph in Johannesburg.
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