India lose second T20 to South Africa as de Kock shines

Mullanpur: India slipped up again as South Africa levelled the T20 series with a 51- run win in the second match here on Thursday.

Quinton de Kock stole the show, smashing 90 off just 46 balls to take South Africa to 213 for four after India chose to field first. India looked set to chase but lost three key batters – Abhishek Sharma (17), Shubman Gill (0) and Suryakumar Yadav (5) – early in the powerplay, putting them on the back foot. Tilak Varma (62 off 34) tried to rescue the innings but lacked support, and India were bowled out for 162 in 19.1 overs.

Gill, vice-captain in T20s, fell to a perfect delivery from Lungi Ngidi on his first ball. Abhishek and Suryakumar were also caught edging the ball, while Axar Patel (21) couldn’t build momentum. Tilak batted aggressively, but with no partnerships, India couldn’t keep up with the target.

De Kock was in brilliant form, hitting seven sixes, especially in the deep square leg area. He dominated Indian bowlers, including Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah, who both had expensive overs. De Kock was eventually run out in a bizarre mix-up, but Donovan Ferreira (30*) and David Miller (20*) kept the scoreboard ticking in the final overs.

The series is now tied 1-1, with the third match in Dharamsala on December 14.