South Africa produced a spirited all-round performance to defeat India by 51 runs in New Chandigarh on Wednesday, levelling the five-match ODI series 1-1. Defending a modest 213-4, the visitors bowled with discipline and intent, dismissing India for just 162. The standout of the match was Ottniel Baartman, whose fiery spell of 4-24 dismantled India’s middle and lower order.
India’s chase started brightly when Abhishek Sharma launched Lungi Ngidi for a six in the opening over. However, the joy was short-lived as Shubman Gill edged to slip two balls later, departing for a duck.
Sharma continued his attacking approach and struck another six, this time off Marco Jansen, but the left-arm quick responded with a superb delivery that Quinton de Kock pouched behind the stumps. Sharma’s 17 off 8 balls offered early promise, but his dismissal left India reeling at 19-2.
The pressure grew when captain Suryakumar Yadav fell for five after a successful South African review overturned the on-field call, reducing India to 32-3.
Tilak Varma showed positive intent with a quick burst of runs, while Axar Patel added momentum with a straight six. However, Patel’s dismissal for 21, following Baartman’s sharp delivery and Reeza Hendricks’ well-reviewed catch, pushed India to 67-4.
At the 10-over mark, India were 81-4, trailing South Africa’s 90-1 at the same point. Varma reached his fifty with a powerful six and shared a crucial stand with Hardik Pandya, but after Pandya fell for 20, India collapsed under relentless pressure. Baartman’s pace uprooted Shivam Dube’s stumps, and Jansen’s disciplined 2-25 added to India’s troubles.
With 52 needed from nine balls, India’s final resistance ended when Varun Chakaravarthy fell on the first ball of the last over. South Africa’s bowlers closed out a confident victory, setting up an intriguing remainder of the series.
Final scores: South Africa 213-4, India 162 all out.
