India captain Suryakumar Yadav admitted his side’s top-order batters, including himself, disappointed after the team suffered a comprehensive 51-run loss to South Africa in the 2nd T20I in Mullanpur. Chasing a challenging target of 214, India were bowled out for 162 in 19.1 overs.
The Indian chase got off to a disastrous start with Shubman Gill dismissed for a golden duck by Lungi Ngidi in the first over. Captain Suryakumar Yadav also failed to make an impact, falling for just five runs off four balls. Opener Abhishek Sharma managed 17 off eight balls before departing.
Captain’s Post-Match Reflection:
Speaking after the match, Suryakumar conceded the top order failed to deliver and could not rely solely on the brilliance of Abhishek Sharma:
- Accepting Responsibility: “I think myself, Shubman, could have given a good start because we can’t rely on Abhishek all the time… Me, Shubman and a few other batters should have taken it (responsibility). I should have taken that responsibility, batted a little deeper.”
- Learning Curve: He added, “We learned how they bowled in the second innings. We learned from that and we will try to execute that in the next game.”
The only bright spot for the visitors was Tilak Varma, who played a lone hand, smashing 62 off 34 balls (including five sixes). Axar Patel tried to anchor the innings but could only manage 21 off 21 balls.
South Africa Dominates:
South Africa’s innings was powered by a magnificent knock of 90 runs by Quinton de Kock, supported by Donovan Ferreira’s rapid 30 off 16 balls*, setting a formidable total of 213/4.
The Indian bowlers struggled significantly, with Arshdeep Singh conceding 54 runs and Jasprit Bumrah giving away 18 runs in the final over of the innings. The article also references commentary on the Indian bowling performance, noting Gautam Gambhir and Sunil Gavaskar’s frustration over Arshdeep Singh bowling seven wides in one over, calling it “unacceptable.”