Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav celebrated his 29th birthday in style as he picked up a 5-wicket haul to lead India to a 106-run win in IND vs SA 3rd T20I in Johannesburg on Thursday, December 14.
Kuldeep registered figures of 17 for 5 in 2.5 overs as Proteas got bundled out for 95 in a 202-run chase. The wrist-spinner became the first Indian spinner to pick a 5-wicket haul twice in T20Is in SENA countries.
This was also Kuldeep Yadav’s best figures in a T20I. His previous best was 24 for 5 against England in Old Trafford in 2018.
The veteran spinner also becomes the first ever cricketer to take a fifer on birthday in men’s T20Is.
Best T20I figures on birthday :-
5/17 – Kuldeep Yadav v SA, 2023
4/9 – Wanindu Hasaranga v IND, 2021
4/21 – Imran Tahir v NED, 2014
4/25 – Karthik Meiyappan v IRE, 2021
India draw 3-match T20I series
Suryakumar Yadav’s century, followed by Kuldeep Yadav’s five-wicket haul helped India draw the three-match series 1-1. Suryakumar scored 100 runs as India posted 201/7 in 20 overs. In reply, the hosts never looked settled in the chase and were bowled out for 95 in 13.5 overs.
