India vs South Africa: De Kock shines as the Proteas emerge victorious

On Sunday, India met South Africa for the final T20 in the three-match series that started on the 15th of this month. After the first match wash-out and the Indian win the second match, SA needed to win at all costs to level the series. We were not too disappointed as the South Africans not only bowled well but also made easy work of the Indian bowling attack, thanks to their captain - Quinton de Kock.

ALSO READ | India lose 3rd T20I by nine wickets as South Africa level series 1-1

The Indian Lineup Falls

South Africa looked like they wanted to win the match since the moment they hit the field and wanted to make the most of the slowish pitch. The Indians were batting first after winning the toss and the Indian innings were off to a good start as Shikhar Dhawan put away the very first ball for four. Only Dhawan looked promising at the top as Rohit was caught in the slips for a paltry 9 runs off Beuran Hendricks' bowling. Captain Kohli could not manage much either as he could only score 9 runs off the 14 deliveries he had faced before he lofted Rabada into the air for what looked like a good shot but was only a catch waiting to be made. 

ALSO READ | Rohit Sharma equals MS Dhoni's record of playing most T20Is for India

Rishabh Pant hit a boundary and a four but could not do much either as he was dismissed for 19. Shreyas Iyer could only manage 5 runs. The Pandya brothers who came in next tried to save the innings only for Krunal to fall at 4 while Hardik made 14 off the 18 deliveries he faced. Ravindra Jadeja tried to turn the momentum of the game into the Indians' side and was successful to an extent. He was eventually out for 19 off 14 balls which included 1 four and 1 six. The Indian tail-enders tried to squeeze out every run they could from the innings as India ended at a very ordinary 134 for the loss of 9 wickets at the end of their 20 overs.

The Proteas Dominate

The Indian innings ended with Kagiso Rabada getting 3 wickets while Beuran Hendricks and Bjorn Fortuin got 2 wickets, each. The South Africans did not have a daunting total to chase and Captain, Quinton de Kock, and Reeza Hendricks came to bat with all guns blazing. Reeza made 28 off the 26 balls he faced before getting dismissed by Hardik Pandya. After that, it was the Proteas' match for the taking as Quinton de Kock made an unbeaten 79 which included 5 sixes.

ALSO READ | Rashid Khan uncertain about playing the T20I tri-nation series final

Temba Bavuma played a great supporting role to de Kock as SA powered through to a victory in just one ball short of 17 overs. Beuran Hendricks was the player of the match as Quinton de Kock was the Player of the Series for his consistent efforts with the bat in both matches. Both teams will now play a three-match test series with the first match at Vishakapatnam. India are currently number 3 on the ICC T20I rankings while South Africa trail behind at number 5.

ALSO READ | I'm not worried about exclusion from T20Is: Kuldeep Yadav