Stubbs Hammers South Africa Home To Narrow T20 Victory Over India

South Africa snatch victory from the jaws of defeat

South Africa clinched a narrow four-wicket victory over India in the second Twenty20 international at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Sunday.Chasing a target of 149, South Africa rode on Tristan Stubbs' unbeaten 72 off 28 balls to overhaul the target with one ball to spare.

South Africa stutter in chase

South Africa lost captain Temba Bavuma to the second ball of their chase, but Reeza Hendricks (28) and Heinrich Klaasen (29) put on 48 for the second wicket to give them a solid platform.

However, India bowlers struck back with quick wickets to put South Africa under pressure. Shahbaz Ahmed dismissed Klaasen and Wayne Parnell in the same over, while Harshal Patel had Hendricks caught.

Stubbs heroics seal victory

Stubbs then took charge of the chase, smashing six fours and five sixes in his whirlwind knock. He shared a crucial 64-run partnership with Dwaine Pretorius (20) for the sixth wicket to bring South Africa back into the contest.

With 11 needed off the final over, Stubbs hit Avesh Khan for a four and a six to seal a memorable victory for South Africa.

India's batting struggles

Earlier, India were restricted to 148 for 6 despite a half-century from Shreyas Iyer (40). South Africa bowlers shared the wickets, with Keshav Maharaj, Wayne Parnell, and Lungi Ngidi taking two wickets each.

Ishan Kishan (21) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (23) gave India a solid start, but they failed to convert after getting starts. Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant (29) steadied the innings, but they could not provide the late flourish.

Conclusion

The victory gives South Africa a 1-1 draw in the three-match series, with the final match scheduled to be played in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday. Stubbs was adjudged the Player of the Match for his match-winning knock.