Xtra Time Web Desk: Proteas wicketkeeper batter Heinrich Klassen produced the knock of his career so far (81 off 46 balls) to guide his side to a convincing 4 wickets win over India in the second T20I at the Barabati stadium in Cuttack on Sunday. Klassen’s knock was studded with 7 boundaries and 5 sixes. Chasing a modest target of 149 runs to win, the visitors romped home with 10 balls to spare.
Earlier Temba Bavuma won the toss and decided to field first. Kagiso Rabada gave a breakthrough in his very first over, getting rid of Ruturaj Gaikwad for just one run. Ishan Kishan (34 runs) and Shreyas Iyer (40 runs) continued their good form and stitched a valuable partnership for the second wicket. Except for Dinesh Karthik, who played a 21 ball 30 cameo towards the end, none of the other Indian batters contributed, as they managed only 148/6 in 20 overs.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar was the stand out bowler for India as he bamboozled South Africa’s top order. He picked the wickets of Reeza Hendricks (4), Pretorius (4), and Rassie van der Dussen (1). However, skipper Temba Bavuma (35 runs) along with Klassen (81) did not let any further slip up.
The win gives the visitors an unassailable 2-0 lead in the five match T20I series. The next match will be played at Vizag on Tuesday (June 14).