Xtra Time Web Desk: A superb knock from Reez Hendricks (47 off 29) and captain Aiden Markram (30 off 17) saw South Africa beat India by 5 wickets (D/L method) in the rain affected second T20I at St Georges Park on Tuesday. The hosts were asked to chase a revised target of 152 runs off 15 overs which they successfully did with 7 balls to spare.
After winning the toss and opting to bowl, the hosts begun on the right note with both openers departing for a duck. But India staged a brilliant recovery courtesy a dominant middle-order performance with SKY and Rinku at the helm of things. The two Indian batters took the attack to the opposition. Both played some stunning shots. Surya scored 56 off 36 balls before being holed out in the long off boundary by Jansen off Tabraiz Shamsi. But Rinku Singh kept going as he smashed his way to an unbeaten maiden half century in T20Is.
The revised target for South Africa was 152 off 15 overs. Hendricks and Breetzke got their side off to a flier as the duo stitched 42 off 17 balls. The latter succumbed to a run-out but the platform was already set. Markram came in and middled the ball beautifully with Hendricks going hammer and tongs from the other end. Gripping the ball was a difficulty considering how damp the outfield was. The Indian bowlers missed their mark and paid the price. The hosts lost 3 wickets in a space of 12 runs and the Men in Blue had a glimmer of hope. However, it was too much of a ask for the Indian bowlers and they couldn’t effect anything spectacular. Stubbs and Phehlukwayo held their nerves and took their side off to a convincing victory.