by: Atif Amin
Heinrich Klaasen scored a brilliant half-century to give South Africa a 2-0 lead over hosts India. He hit 7 fours and 5 sixes in his 81 off 46 balls. He was the only batsman from both sides who scored freely as both sides batsmen struggled on a tacky pitch.
South African Captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and decided to bowl first. South Africa had to make the forced change as Quinton de Kock injured his hand and had to sit out. He was replaced by Klaasen in the playing 11.
India started poorly as they lost Ruturaj Gaikwad early. Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer added 45 for the 2nd wicket but after that India kept on losing wickets regularly and South African bowlers kept a tight grip on India’s scoring rate. Dinesh Karthik provided some late impetus as India finished on 148/6. Sherays Iyer top scored with 40, Ishan Kishan 34 and Dinesh Karthik 30 not out.
Chasing the target of 148 South Africa lost early wickets and slumped to 29/3 in the 6th over. Klaasen joined Captain Temba Bavuma and started to rebuild the innings. They started cautiously to avoid any further damage to the wicket column but later Klaasen exploded and thrashed the bowlers to all corners. After the dismissal of Bavuma, inform Miller joined Klaasen and took South Africa close to victory. Eventually, South Africa completed the target with 4 wickets in hand and 10 balls remaining.
For India Bhuneshwar Kumar was the pick of bowlers claiming 4/13 in his 4 overs. Klaasen was named as the player of the match. The third T20I match between the 2 sides will be played in Vishakapatnum on June 14.
Brief Match Score:
India 148/6 (Shreyas Iyer 40)
South Africa 149/6 in 18.2 overs (Klaasen 81, Kumar 4/13)
Result: South Africa won by 4 wickets and lead 5 match series 2-0
