Pandya unleashed his prowess against the South African bowlers with a stunning century, achieving his half-century in just 16 balls—a remarkable feat that ranks as the second fastest by an Indian—and leading India to a formidable total of 231 for 5. Tilak Varma offered solid support with a fluent 73, ensuring that the team’s momentum remained unbroken.
In response, South Africa kept the chase alive as long as Quinton de Kock was present. The opener scored 65, aggressively targeting the Indian pace attack early on, including taking 14 runs off Arshdeep Singh in one powerplay over, giving the innings the desired boost. However, the departure of de Kock led to a swift collapse.
Varun Chakravarthy spearheaded the downfall with a four-wicket haul as South Africa slipped from a promising position, losing seven wickets for just 81 runs to finish at 201 for 8. Reeza Hendricks faced yet another tough outing, as his wicket was sealed by a spectacular one-handed catch from Shivam Dube at midwicket. Jasprit Bumrah was held back for the later overs and returned impressive figures of 2 for 17 to wrap up a comprehensive win for India.
Undeterred, De Kock kept scoring runs alongside Dewald Brevis (31), adding 51 off just 23 balls for the second wicket. By the halfway point, South Africa positioned themselves well to pursue the hefty target.
With runs flowing from both ends, Bumrah deceived De Kock, who offered a return catch that the Indian bowler accepted in the 11th over. In the following over, Pandya (1/41) dismissed Brevis with a bouncer.
Chakravarthy (4-0-53-4) then truly turned the tables, striking twice in consecutive deliveries in the 13th over.
He trapped Aiden Markram leg-before on a paddle sweep attempt before producing a stunning delivery that breached Donovan Ferreira’s defense to shatter the off-stump.
David Miller’s mishit off Arshdeep in the 15th over marked the end of South Africa’s challenge, which fell apart from 120/1 in the 11th over.
Earlier, Pandya (63) recorded the second fastest T20I fifty for India while Tilak contributed a classy 73, helping the hosts set an imposing target of 232 runs.
In a whirlwind innings filled with five sixes and as many fours, Pandya’s seventh half-century (63 off 25 balls) came off only 16 balls—now the second-fastest ever for an Indian, with Yuvraj Singh’s historic 12-ball record against England at Kingsmead in 2007 still intact.
He forged a brilliant 105-run partnership off just 44 balls with Tilak when India’s momentum appeared to stall, resulting in a total of 231/5.
While Pandya dazzled with his rapid-fire knock, Tilak showcased his array of strokes, making 73 off 42 balls with 10 fours and a six.
Pandya walked onto the field amidst chants from the crowd at his former IPL home ground, while the struggling India captain Suryakumar Yadav (5) faced yet another disappointing outing.
It was Pandya’s sheer power that stood out, sending the ball soaring deep into the stands of the world’s largest stadium.
On the other end, Tilak provided stability with his second half-century of the series, skillfully mixing aggression with clever strike rotation, following the explosive starts from Abhishek Sharma (34) and Sanju Samson (37).
Samson shone in a rare opportunity to open, with India vice-captain Shubman Gill sidelined by injury, making a compelling case for World Cup selection discussions in Mumbai on Saturday.
However, as has often occurred, after looking promising, Samson fell to a brilliant delivery from George Linde that pitched on leg stump and spun back, crashing into the middle stump.
He began with a six over wide long-on against Marco Jansen and followed up with two spectacular hits down the wicket off Ottneil Baartman, making a strong impression at the top of the order.
While putting on 63 runs for the first wicket, neither Abhishek nor Samson relented, giving glimpses of what could be a successful partnership tailored for this format.
Shortly before his dismissal, Samson even had a reprieve when a powerful hit back to bowler Donovan Ferreira slipped through his hands and struck the umpire, Rohan Pandit, near the knee roll.
Later, even Pandya’s six caused an injury in a broadcast crew member, who ended up with a big bruise on his left bicep, while spectators relished balls landing ten rows back.
(With PTI inputs)
