Twitter Reacts As India Thump South Africa In Rajkot To Set Up Series Decider In Bengaluru
India brushed aside South Africa in a lop-sided contest at the SCA Stadium in Rajkot on Friday to level the series 2-2 and set up the series decider in Bengaluru on Sunday.
After losing the toss for the fourth time in a row, Rishabh Pant and co. were asked to bat first. Unlike the previous game, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shreyas Iyer fell for low scores early on.
Ishan Kishan looked good in patches during his 26-ball 27 while Pant had a horrible day, scoring 17 from 23 before being sent back. The hosts were in deep trouble but turned to their finishing duo of Hardik Pandya and Dinesh Karthik.
The two stitched what ended up being a massive momentum-shifting partnership for the 5th wicket. In just 33 balls, they scored 65 runs and from nowhere, the Indians managed to put up 169 on the board.
Karthik scored his maiden fifty in 26 balls while Hardik contributed with a 31-ball 46. In the run chase, Temba Bavuma walked out retired hurt after being struck on the body a few times.
A terrible mixup between Quinton de Kock and Dwaine Pretorius saw the former being run out. It caused a major crumble and the Proteas couldn’t handle the spicy nature of the Rajkot pitch.
Eventually, they fell short and handed India a huge win. Avesh Khan was the best of the lot as he ended with figures of 4/18 in four overs. The victory levels up the series 2-2 and the teams head to Bengaluru for the final game on Sunday.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to India vs South Africa, 4th T20I:
With Rohit, KL, Virat set to return, top order gets sorted. India were looking for finisher. Ek maango, do mil gaye. Hardik and DK aap Australia World Cup ja rahe hain. @DineshKarthik @hardikpandya7
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) June 17, 2022
Many congratulations to #TeamIndia on such a terrific win🇮🇳 Outstanding performance by @DineshKarthik and @hardikpandya7 & well played by the entire team, keep up the spirits! #INDvSA
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) June 17, 2022
169 was too bigger score on this pitch from India. Come back and a half from Avesh khan. Kept hitting the hard length which had the most to offer! #INDvSA
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) June 17, 2022
2⃣-2⃣ & Bring. On. Bengaluru 🔥
Career best figures for Avesh as he picked up a 4️⃣-fer and helped 🇮🇳 register a thumping 82-run win 💙#INDvSA #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/WJd9Ajlnsz
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) June 17, 2022
Bapu ended the batting innings with a boundary, and he ends the bowling innings with a wicket 😌
INDIAAA WINNN 🇮🇳💙#INDvSA
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) June 17, 2022
Ngidi is caught in the deep off Axar Patel and, with Bavuma unable to come out and bat again, SA are all out for 87. India have won by a whopping 82 runs to level the series at 2-2.
— Ken Borland (@KenBorland) June 17, 2022
Jadeja isn’t your 4 over bowler in t20s. Even dhoni knows that. But some people think that he is a better bowler than axar, and that axar statpadded wickets in uae(😂) to improve his stats
— Devansh🎭 (@Nexusofjoy) June 17, 2022
India beat South Africa and level this series by 2-2 and final match on 19th June. In this match India played really well especially Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Avesh.
— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) June 17, 2022
Terrific fightback from team India to level the series. Credit to Rishabh and Rahul Bhai for sticking with the same team throughout despite couple of losses at the start. Avesh repaid the faith and how! Super Sunday ahead! #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/jHCSUsFnNZ
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) June 17, 2022
This is Captain Rishabh Pant appreciation tweet 🇮🇳💙 His bowling changes were spot on today and our bowlers delivered yoo ,this is something to cheer for🥳🥳🙌🏻 #RishabhPant #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/EaK6I8ioVK
— Unobtrusive🇮🇳 (@unobtrusive_178) June 17, 2022
RCB bloods saving India 🫡 pic.twitter.com/4DqW3RVlpH
— gurudattaaa (@gurudattaispog) June 17, 2022