In-form Ishan Kishan delivered a blistering, minute-a-mile half-century to firmly seal his place at the top of India’s batting order as the hosts registered a 30-run win over South Africa in their lone warm-up match ahead of the T20 World Cup at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, on Wednesday.
Ishan went hammer and tongs, smashing seven sixes and two fours during a breathtaking 20-ball 53, as India’s batters unleashed another dominant performance to pile up a massive 241 for five on a placid surface. The defending champions then showcased their bowling depth by using nine different bowling options, eventually restricting South Africa to 210 for seven.
Bowling Concerns as Harshit Rana Leaves Field Early
India, however, had a moment of concern when frontline pacer Harshit Rana (0/16) left the field after bowling just one over. Rana pulled out of his run-up twice during the over and did not return to the match thereafter.
Notably, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah did not take part in the contest.
South Africa’s Experimental Start Falls Flat
South Africa tried an unconventional approach by sending George Linde to open alongside Aiden Markram, but the move failed immediately. Linde was dismissed for a four-ball duck in the first over by Arshdeep Singh (1/29), while Markram made 38 before retiring out.
Ryan Rickelton provided early momentum with a 21-ball 44 that included three sixes and four boundaries, while Jason Smith chipped in with 35 off 23 balls. Dewald Brevis fell cheaply, but Tristan Stubbs ensured the chase remained competitive, hammering four sixes in his unbeaten 45 off 21 balls.
Among the Indian bowlers, Abhishek Sharma impressed with 2 for 32, as India rotated their attack effectively to contain South Africa’s scoring.
Ishan Sets the Tone with Explosive Powerplay Assault
Earlier, Ishan showcased his full range of strokes, particularly his powerful on-side flicks that repeatedly sailed over the ropes, to register the only half-century of the match.
Fresh from a stunning 103 in the final T20 against New Zealand last week, Ishan came out firing once again, adding 80 runs inside the powerplay with Abhishek Sharma (24 off 17 balls, retired out).
With Sanju Samson struggling for form, Ishan is now expected to open alongside Abhishek in India’s tournament opener against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium on February 7.
Ishan retired immediately after reaching his fifty, as India maximised the opportunity for a final hit-out before the World Cup opener.
Middle-Order Fireworks Push India Past 240
Playing on familiar turf, the wicketkeeper-batter truly cut loose in the fifth over, where 29 runs came off Anrich Nortje, including four sixes and a four. On one occasion, an attempted evasive move against a bouncer resulted in a top-edge that still sailed over fine leg for six.
While Abhishek did not look entirely fluent, he still managed three fours and a six. Tilak Varma, returning after proving his fitness in a recent India A outing, was in devastating touch before being bowled by Marco Jansen, racing to 45 off just 19 balls with three sixes and as many fours.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav added 30 off 16 balls, striking two fours and two sixes, and enjoyed a slice of luck when dropped on 18. Vice-captain Axar Patel played a useful hand with 35 off 23 balls.
The late flourish came from Hardik Pandya, who clobbered three sixes and two fours in a rapid 30 off 10 balls before falling to Corbin Bosch. Rinku Singh, who was struck on the helmet during his innings, contributed 16 runs.