India’s innings concluded with three balls remaining due to rain, posting a total of 180/7 in 19.3 overs.South Africa responded aggressively after the rain break, with their top order setting the tone and maintaining the required run rate throughout the powerplay.
Opener Reeza Hendricks impressed in South Africa’s successful chase, scoring 49 off 27 balls. Former South African pace great Dale Steyn praised Hendricks’ technical prowess, especially his cover drive, comparing it to the elegance of former India captain Virat Kohli.
“He played so beautifully, technically correct but he also has an incredible power game and he is a wonderful timer of the ball. We talk about Virat Kohli having the classical beautiful drive, Reeza Hendricks is right up there in playing that shot,” said Steyn on Star Sports.
“You saw tonight how well he played. He read the game well, took it on when it needed to be done. It was a superb knock.”
Acknowledging Hendricks’ bit of luck in the game, Steyn noted, “India were a little unlucky. They found the edge of his bat once or twice at the start. He rode his luck and batted really well at the end of the day.”
The series now stands at 1-0 in favor of South Africa, with the third and final T20I set to take place on Thursday.
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