Captain Quinton de Kock and debutant Temba Bavuma were at the fore of the Proteas’ final total of 149-5 in Wednesday’s second T20I against India at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali, Chandigarh.
De Kock quietened suggestion that the addition of the captaincy would negatively affect his primary role with the bat en route to a characteristically brisk half-century. His 52 spanned a mere 37 deliveries – and featured eight fours. The hard-hitting left-hander’s entertaining stay was eventually ended by a superb catch from mid-off fielder Virat Kohli.
Bavuma, meanwhile, countered insistence that he is just a Test-match batsman with a typically workmanlike 49 from 43, including three fours and a six. This is the diminutive right-hander’s first T20I, having collected 36 Tests since 2014.
De Kock and Bavuma’s contributions proved especially pivotal after opener Reeza Hendricks and middle-order maestro Rassie van der Dussen perished for six and one, respectively.
Bavuma is not this fixture’s only debutant. South Africa have blooded fast bowler Anrich Nortje and spinner Bjorn Fortuin, too. Both will prove vital during India’s pursuit of a 150-run target.
Last week’s first T20I in Dharamsala was washed out without a delivery bowled. Bengaluru will host the series decider on Sunday.
Photo: Gallo Images
