Published By: Sayan Guha

IND vs. SA T20I: Reliving the Epic 1-Run Thriller That Kept Us All on Edge

As India and South Africa prepare for another series, this memory will undoubtedly stand out as a testament to the thrill, heartbreak, and unforgettable magic that T20 cricket brings

The T20I series between India and South Africa is set to begin on November 8, generating a wave of excitement among fans. The teams will compete in four matches at some of South Africa’s most famous venues, including Kingsmead in Durban and Wanderers Stadium. With a mix of new talent and experienced players from both cricket-loving nations, this series promises to keep fans captivated until the very last ball. But before the first boundary is hit, let’s revisit a T20I moment that still sends shivers down the spine of cricket enthusiasts: the unforgettable one-run thriller between India and South Africa in 2012.

The ICC World T20 2012 Super Eights stage took place in Colombo. The stakes were high, and the atmosphere was electrifying. Both teams were already out of the semi-final, but pride and legacy remained at stake. South Africa won the toss, sending India to bat first, and the result was nothing short of dramatic. 

India’s battle to set the tone

India’s innings was like a tumultuous sea, with highs, lows, and unexpected turns. The start was not ideal. Morne Morkel of South Africa delivered several strong deliveries, causing Gambhir (8) and Sehwag (17) to fall early. Virat Kohli (2) was the next to leave, strangled on the leg side. By the time India was 36 for 3, it appeared like they were sliding rapidly.

Then arrives Suresh Raina (45), bringing a sense of hope. Raina’s confident hits restored some momentum to the Indian innings. At the same time, Yuvraj Singh, fresh off his comeback, played gracefully, lofting the ball over the boundary twice with his signature silky touch.

However, fate was not on Yuvi’s (21) side; he attempted an aggressive shot and was bowled by Morkel. South Africa appeared to have the game under control until MS Dhoni, the guy with steel nerves, appeared. His unbeaten 23 off 13 balls in the last overs helped India to a competitive total of 152 for 6, giving their bowlers a chance to defend their target.

SA’s early stumbles

South Africa began the chase conservatively, losing two early wickets. Yet, just when India believed they had a chance, Faf du Plessis stepped in as if he was born for this moment. Du Plessis ripped into the Indian bowlers, sending every wayward delivery to the boundary. His aggressive 65 off 38 balls combined power and finesse, and India’s hopes faded with each stroke. By the time the scoreboard read 95 for 4, du Plessis had solidified South Africa’s position.

But then the renowned South African collapse started. A sequence of missed strokes and mistimed swings saw them fall from a position of ease to vulnerability, with Zaheer Khan taking 3 crucial wickets. The South African dugout appeared agitated as du Plessis fall to Yuvraj Singh.

Into the last over

With South Africa needing 14 runs off the final over, L. Balaji (3/37) faced a tough challenge. Albie Morkel struck the first ball for six, but Balaji quickly responded by clean-bowling him on the next delivery.

Morne Morkel then came in and hit a short ball for six, leaving South Africa needing just three runs off two balls. The tension rose when Morne missed the penultimate ball. On the final delivery, Balaji bowled a straight ball; Morne swung but missed, and India won by a thrilling single run as the stumps shattered.