Twitter Reactions: South Africa's batting powerhouse rolls over India in second T20I

South Africa took a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series as they beat India by five wickets in the second T20I on Tuesday, December 12 at St George's Park, Gqeberha. After being put in to bat first India scored 180/7 in 19.3 overs riding on half-centuries from Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh before rain interrupted play. In reply, South Africa chased down the revised target of 152 with seven balls to spare as they finished on 154/5 after 13.5 overs. Tabraiz Shamsi won the Player of the Match award for his economical spell of 1/18 in four overs.

South Africa got off to a thunderous start in their chase as openers Matthew Breetzke (16 off 7) and Reeza Hendricks added 41 runs for the first wicket off just 17 balls. However, an unfortunate miscommunication led to the run out of Breetzke in the third over.

Also Read: South Africa vs India, 2nd T20I Stats Review: Rinku Singh’s maiden half-century, Suryakumar Yadav’s feat and other stats

Aiden Markram (30 off 17) walked out to bat at number three and stitched a 54-run stand with Hendricks (49 off 27) off 30 balls. Following their partnership, South Africa lost three wickets in three consecutive overs. However, Tristan Stubbs (14* off 12) and Andile Phehlukwayo (10* off 4) guided their team home.

Earlier in the day, after being put in to bat first, India got off to the worst possible start as they lost their opener Yashasvi Jaiswal in the first over itself for a duck. Things got worse as Shubman Gill (0 off 2) was trapped in front of the stumps in the second over by Lizaad Williams to leave India reeling at 6/2 after 2 overs.

Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh rescued India's innings

After the two early blows, captain Suryakumar Yadav joined Tilak Varma (29 off 20) at the crease and the duo added 49 runs for the third wicket off 23 balls to help India cross 50-run mark inside the powerplay.

Also Read: 'Indian cricket is a circus' - Fans rip apart team management for dropping Iyer and Bishnoi in 2nd T20I against SA

South Africa were successful in breaking the partnership as Gerald Coetzee dismissed Tilak Varma in the last over of the powerplay. Rinku Singh walked in at number five and stitched a massive 70-run stand off 48 balls with captain Suryakumar Yadav (56 off 36). After losing his captain, Rinku kept the run flow going and scored his first T20I half-century (68* off 39). 

Meanwhile, X was abuzz with reactions on India's loss. Here are some of the posts: