India defeated South Africa by 30 runs in the fifth and final T20I of the five-match series in Ahmedabad. After being asked to bat, Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson gave India a flying start. India set a huge target of 231/5, powered by blazing half-centuries from Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya.
In reply, South Africa surged ahead early and looked set for a famous chase. Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks provided a strong opening, while Dewald Brevis’s fiery knock set the tone in the middle overs. However, India turned the game around with timely wickets and smart bowling. Jasprit Bumrah stood out as the difference between the two sides. He finished with figures of 4 overs, 17 runs, and 2 wickets in a high-scoring contest. With this victory, India sealed the series 3–1.
Hardik and Tilak Rescue India’s Innings
India’s innings threatened to slow down after a fast start. That is when Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma changed the game.
Hardik played one of his most explosive T20 knocks. He scored 63 off just 25 balls. He smashed 31 runs from his first seven deliveries and brought up the second-fastest T20I fifty by an Indian.
Tilak Varma gave him perfect support. He scored 73 off 42 balls and played with control and power. Together, they added 105 runs in just over seven overs. Their partnership lifted India to a strong total that later proved crucial.
Samson and Abhishek Set the Tone
With Shubman Gill ruled out due to a foot injury, Sanju Samson opened again. He showed his elegant strokeplay while the field was up.
Abhishek Sharma played his usual fearless game. He charged at the bowlers early and scored 34 off 21 balls. The pair added 63 runs in 5.3 overs and gave India early momentum.
South Africa Pull Things Back
The pitch offered good batting conditions, and South Africa did not bowl badly. George Linde bowled tight spells and conceded only 19 runs in his first three overs. He also dismissed Samson with a delivery that turned back in and hit the stumps.
Samson slowed down outside the powerplay, scoring 10 off 9 balls. That phase hurt India slightly. Linde then kept Suryakumar Yadav quiet before Corbin Bosch removed him. Suryakumar ended the year without an international half-century.
India Finish Strong Despite Wickets
Hardik punished South Africa for removing Suryakumar. He attacked from the first ball, hitting a six off a fast bowler. He then took apart Linde with two sixes and two fours in one over.
Tilak also increased his scoring rate, and India attacked from both ends. Shivam Dube added to the damage with a six off his first ball, ensuring the momentum stayed with India even after the set batters departed.
De Kock and Brevis Shake the Chase
South Africa’s reply began in stunning fashion. Quinton de Kock, playing his 100th T20I, lit up the packed stadium. Despite taking hits while keeping, he dominated the powerplay.
He targeted Arshdeep Singh and scored freely, fixing a previously poor record against the left-armer. Reeza Hendricks fell early, but that only helped South Africa.
De Kock and Dewald Brevis attacked Varun Chakravarthy, smashing 23 runs in one over. South Africa reached 118 for 1 in just 10 overs and looked well ahead of the required rate.
Bumrah Brings India Back
The game turned when India changed the ball. Bumrah bowled with the drier ball and struck immediately. De Kock mistimed an offcutter and was caught by Bumrah himself.
Hardik then bowled cleverly to Brevis. He used pace off the ball and forced a mistimed shot to deep midwicket. Those two wickets slowed South Africa and gave India hope.
Varun and Bumrah Seal the Win
Varun recovered after an expensive start. He removed Aiden Markram and Donovan Ferreira on successive balls. Markram fell lbw attempting a lap shot, while Ferreira was beaten by a sharp wrong’un.
David Miller failed to finish the job, falling for 18. Marco Jansen then launched a late assault with consecutive sixes, creating one final scare. His hitting made Varun’s four-wicket haul the most expensive of his T20I career.
Still, Bumrah had overs left. That made the difference. He dismissed Jansen with a slower ball and ensured India crossed the line. Only after taking their eighth wicket could India feel safe, highlighting how hard defending totals is under lights in India.