IND vs SA: Rain washes out fifth T20I in Bengaluru, series shared 2-2

M.Chinnaswamy hosted India and South Africa in the fifth and final match of the intriguing five-match T20I series on Sunday (19th June) in front of an expectant full-house crowd. But unfortunately, the rain gods had a decisive say in the series as the game was eventually washed out after a heavy downpour in Bengaluru.

The game was halted briefly before the start of the Indian batting innings, as Rishabh Pant was left frustrated after losing five tosses on the trot and was invited to bat first yet again. The game was reduced to 19 overs per side due to the halt in play. But after the earlier infringement, rain once again interrupted, but this time it was more than just a passing shower and ultimately decided the outcome of the series, which ended level at 2-2.

India headed into the series finale with momentum in their stride after recording back-to-back comprehensive victories over the Proteas. On the other hand, South Africa’s batters, who were scintillating the opening two T20Is of the series, failed miserably in the last two matches. The visiting team’s misery was further compounded when their influential skipper Temba Bavuma sustained an elbow injury in the fourth T20I and got ruled out of the series decider.

India’s search for white-ball series victory over South Africa on home soil continues

South Africa boasts an impressive record of not losing a single limited-overs series in India since 2011, a record that was under serious threat after their loss in the third and fourth T20I against a resurgent Indian side. Although the Proteas halted India’s record 12-match winning streak and handed them successive defeats, they will leave the subcontinent on a disappointing note.

Meanwhile, Rahul Dravid will ponder over the poor form of top-order batters like Shreyas Iyer and Ruturaj Gaikwad, as much more was expected from the two talented batters. The biggest positive for the team after this series will be their ability to bounce back after disheartening defeats, especially the bowlers who repaid the faith shown in them after a couple of underwhelming games.