5th T20I: Gill-less India dominate South Africa in all departments, clinch series 3-1
Defending champions India ended 2025 on a high, producing a complete all-round performance to beat South Africa by 30 runs in the fifth and final T20I at Ahmedabad, securing the series 3-1. Chasing a daunting 232 in tricky dew conditions, South Africa seemed in control early, reaching 118 for 1 after 10 overs, but India’s bowlers turned the tide once the ball dried.
Bumrah, Varun star with the ball
Jasprit Bumrah led the comeback with a miserly 4-0-17-2 spell, while Varun Chakravarthy picked up four crucial wickets, snatching four for 15 runs in a decisive middle-overs burst that derailed South Africa’s chase. India’s bowlers restricted the visitors to 201 for 8, extending their run to 10 consecutive T20I series or tournament wins and marking their eighth straight bilateral T20I series triumph since December 2023.
South Africa start strong
South Africa began emphatically, with Quinton de Kock and Dewald Brevis taking full advantage of the heavy dew. De Kock hit 61 off 33 balls, including six boundaries in the first two overs, keeping the asking rate manageable. By the drinks break, South Africa were 118 for 1, needing 114 from 10 overs. However, India’s disciplined bowling, aided by the drying conditions, soon tilted the match.
Bumrah’s return broke the crucial partnership, dismissing de Kock with a well-timed slower delivery. Hardik Pandya followed up with key breakthroughs, while Varun Chakravarthy’s sharp spin removed Markram and Ferreira. Arshdeep Singh tightened the screws, with David Miller falling to a catch behind. Despite a brief late flourish from Marco Jansen, Bumrah wrapped up the tail, sealing the win.
Hardik and Tilak power India to 232
Earlier, India posted a mammoth 231 for 5, thanks to a spectacular partnership between Hardik Pandya (63 off 25) and Tilak Varma (73 off 42). Hardik’s 16-ball fifty was the second-fastest by an Indian in T20Is, highlighted by five sixes and as many fours. His aggressive strokeplay set the tone, while Tilak provided stability and smart strike rotation. The duo added 105 runs in just 44 balls, swinging momentum decisively in India’s favour.
Key Takeaways
- India’s all-round depth shone even without Shubman Gill.
- Effective use of the drier ball turned the match in the second half of the innings.
- India’s bowlers defended a massive total brilliantly, showing composure under pressure.
- Hardik Pandya’s power-hitting and Tilak Varma’s maturity underlined India’s batting firepower for future contests.
With this comprehensive performance, India not only closed 2025 on a high but also reinforced their status as a dominant force in T20 cricket.
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