India extended their remarkable unbeaten streak in T20I series to ten with a hard-fought 30-run victory over South Africa in Ahmedabad, sealing the five-match contest 3-1. The series decider was a fittingly explosive finale to a memorable tour, with Hardik Pandya producing a breathtaking 16-ball half-century, the second-fastest by an Indian in T20Is, to power the hosts to a daunting 231 for 5. The match was a stark contrast to the previous fixture in Lucknow, which was abandoned without a ball bowled due to excessive fog, a decision that ultimately denied South Africa a chance to level the series.
Put in to bat, India’s innings was built on two key partnerships. Openers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson provided a fiery start of 63 inside the powerplay. After their dismissals and the continued struggles of captain Suryakumar Yadav, the stage was set for a spectacular counter-attack. Tilak Varma anchored one end with a composed 73 from 42 balls, but it was Hardik Pandya who stole the show. Coming in at 115 for 3, Pandya unleashed a brutal assault, racing to 50 in just 16 deliveries with a barrage of sixes and fours. His 63 from 25 balls, in a 105-run stand with Varma, propelled India to a total that proved just beyond South Africa’s reach.
The Proteas, chasing 232, launched a ferocious reply of their own. Quinton de Kock, playing his 100th T20I, led the charge with a blistering 65 from 36 balls, sharing a rapid 118-run opening stand with Reeza Hendricks. Dewald Brevis provided explosive support, but the introduction of Jasprit Bumrah proved decisive. The pace spearhead, returning to the side after personal leave, delivered a masterclass in death bowling, taking 2 for 17 from his four overs. His dismissal of de Kock and the dangerous Marco Jansen broke the back of the chase. Spinner Varun Chakravarthy, despite being expensive, chipped in with four crucial wickets as South Africa finished on 201 for 8.
The match was not without its subplots. India were forced into a late change as Shubman Gill was ruled out with a foot injury sustained in the nets ahead of the abandoned Lucknow game. His place was taken by Sanju Samson, who grabbed his opportunity with both hands in a dynamic opening stint. For South Africa, the tour ends with the consolation of a Test series win, but questions remain over their white-ball structure as they prepare for the T20 World Cup.
With this victory, India have not only secured another series win but also sent a powerful message ahead of their World Cup title defence. The form of Hardik Pandya, returning to his destructive best, and the continued excellence of Jasprit Bumrah provide immense confidence, even as the search for runs from captain Suryakumar Yadav continues. The IND vs SA T20 series, despite the fog-induced interruption, concluded with a spectacular display of power-hitting and nerve, solidifying India’s status as the team to beat in the shortest format.