Navdeep Saini: Performance During India vs South Africa Second T20I

After an impressive outing on his international debut, Navdeep Saini got another call-up to the Indian side for the home series against South Africa. In his debut series itself, Navdeep was the leading wicket-taker in India’s 3-0 series win over West Indies. With five wickets from three T20Is in the away series, the right-arm fast bowler finally made his home debut against the Proteas in the second T20 match series. India won the match by seven wickets, thus taking a 1-0 lead in the series as the first match was abandoned due to bad weather. 

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Navdeep Saini’s Spell In The 2nd T20I

Team India won the toss and decided to field first. Replacing Washington Sundar after his opening over, Saini came in to bowl the third over of the innings. South African opener Quinton de Kock welcomed the pacer with three back-to-back boundaries off his first three deliveries. As a result, Saini’s first international over on Indian soil cost him 13 runs.

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Captain Kohli brought back the pacer to bowl the 12^th over, where Saini immediately got his revenge by claiming the opening batsman for 52. The RCB bowler was called upon again to bowl the 17^th and 20^th over of the South African batting innings. His third over cost him only three runs while two sixes from the final over slightly dented his bowling figures. Navdeep Saini ended the Proteas innings with figures of 4-0-34-1.

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Series Overview

With a 1-0 lead in the series for the home side, the focus now shifts to M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru for the series decider. The upcoming game also makes it a must-win match for the visitors to ensure that the three-match T20I series ends in a draw. Navdeep Saini would fancy his chances for an improved performance in the third match as the venue is also his IPL home ground. The third and final T20I will be held this Sunday on 22^nd September 2019.

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