India Crush South Africa’s Chase as Visitors Fold for 74

India sealed a dominant victory as South Africa were bowled out for just 74, falling far short in their chase of 176. The visitors struggled throughout the innings and never recovered from the early setbacks, allowing India to claim a comprehensive win in the match.

Arshdeep Singh sent Quinton de Kock back in the first over, dismissing him for 0 off 2 balls. At 0.2 overs, he was caught by Abhishek Sharma. This early blow in the innings foreshadowed a complete batting collapse.

Trying to rebuild, Aiden Markram and Tristan Stubbs were constantly under pressure from India’s bowlers. Stubbs played positively for his 14 off 9 balls, including two fours, before Arshdeep dismissed him at 2.3 overs. The wicket was upheld after a DRS review. Markram was then bowled by Axar Patel for 14 off 14, leaving South Africa with 40/3 in the sixth over.

Dewald Brevis also contributed with 22 out of 14 runs, including three fours and a six. Still, wickets were falling about him. David Miller scored only 1 off 3 balls before being dismissed by Hardik Pandya at 6.1 overs. Donovan Ferreira scored 5 off 7, then was removed by Varun Chakravarthy at 7.2 overs.

Marco Jansen launched a counterattack with 12 off 12 balls, including two sixes. But Varun struck again to send him back at 9.5 overs, leaving South Africa at 68/6. At 10.2 overs, Brevis was caught by Jasprit Bumrah, which led to a quick termination of the innings.

South Africa’s final four wickets fell for just six runs, whereas Lungi Ngidi remained unbeaten on 2 off 4. South Africa’s innings folded for 74 in 12.3 overs, giving India a strong win in the T20I opener.

BOWLING HEROICS

India’s bowling attack was outstanding, with Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah leading the way. Arshdeep struck in the opening over to remove de Kock and Stubbs, immediately putting South Africa under pressure. 

Bumrah followed with a sharp, controlled spell that brought two more key wickets. Their combined impact dismantled South Africa’s top order and kept India firmly in command.