IND vs SA LIVE: After some widespread criticism following India’s two losses in Delhi and Cuttack, Yuzvendra Chahal, Harshal Patel and Axar Patel all bounced back in a fine display at Vizag on Tuesday. With India needing a win to stay alive in the series, the much-maligned trio delivered in style, helping Rishabh Pant clinch his first win as India captain. Follow India vs South Africa live updates on Insidesport.IN
IND vs SA live: Beleaguered trio Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal and Harshal Patel show mettle, bounce back in excellent show at Vizag – Watch Highlights
Defending 179 to win, Rishabh Pant needed his bowlers to rise up to the occasion and they did so exceedingly well, keeping India’s chances alive in the 5-match series. Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal and Harshal Patel shared eight wickets between them to mount a stunning comeback after some questionable performances in the early two games.
Axar Patel, who conceded 19 in his solitary over last match, was at his miserly best, dismissing captain Temba Bavuma in the powerplay for just 8. The left-arm spinner built the pressure with some tight lines to end with figures of 1/28 at an economy of just 7.
Yuzvendra Chahal, who failed to replicate his Purple Cap heroics in the first two games, silenced his critics with a player of the match performance at Visakhapatnam. The wily leg spinner broke the South African middle order, putting India in sight of their first win this series.
With the surface aiding the spinners, Chahal first got the better of the big hitting Dwaine Pretorius, before dismissing the dangerous Rassie van der Dussen. He then aced the challenge against nemesis Heinrich Klassen, who chipped a catch to Axar Patel to end South Africa’s hopes.
Harshal Patel meanwhile did not start of well, but bounced back to dismiss Reeza Hendricks at the end of the powerplay. The RCB star then bagged the big fish, becoming the first bowler to dismiss David Miller in 5 T20s, ending the southpaw’s sojourn for just 3. Patel then returned at the death to dismiss Rabada and Shamsi to cap off a wonderful display as India sealed a 48-run win.
IND vs SA live: Beleaguered trio Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal and Harshal Patel show mettle, bounce back in excellent show at Vizag – Watch Highlights