Published By: Sanchari Das

SA vs. IND T0I: India’s Top Five Unforgettable Triumphs Over South Africa in T20 Cricket

India's impressive T20 victories over South Africa highlight their dominance and adaptability in the shorter format

As the Indian cricket team grapples with a historic Test series loss to New Zealand, their attention now shifts to T20 cricket. With Suryakumar Yadav leading the squad, India is set for a four-match T20 series against South Africa in their own backyard. The tour starts in Durban, where India will aim to replicate their success from the ICC T20 World Cup final, where they beat South Africa at Kensington Oval. With both teams ready to clash, let’s look back at India’s most remarkable T20 wins over South Africa.

The 102-run knockout punch in Johannesburg, 2023

One of India’s biggest T20 wins against South Africa came with a 106-run victory in Johannesburg. Powered by Suryakumar Yadav’s scintillating 100 off 56 balls and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s quick 60, India posted a towering 201/7. The duo’s 112-run partnership set the tone, negating Keshav Maharaj’s tight spell of 2/26.

South Africa never found their footing in the chase. Kuldeep Yadav, celebrating his birthday in style, spun a web with a career-best 5/17, dismantling the Proteas. David Miller’s 35 provided brief resistance, but South Africa crumbled to 95 in 13.5 overs, marking India’s all-around dominance.

An 82-run statement, 2022

India’s 82-run win in Rajkot during the 2022 series remains unforgettable. Batting first, Dinesh Karthik smashed his maiden T20I half-century, scoring 55 off 27 balls, and Hardik Pandya contributed a valuable 46. Their late surge powered India to 169/6, with 73 runs added in the last five overs. Lungi Ngidi’s 2/20 could only do so much to stem the run flow.

In South Africa’s reply, Avesh Khan’s devastating 4/18 put the Proteas on the back foot. Yuzvendra Chahal’s 2/21 capitalised on the pitch’s tricky bounce, and South Africa collapsed to 87 in 16.5 overs. This win tied the series at 2-2, underscoring India’s resilience and firepower.

Eight wickets of pure dominance, 2022

India’s commanding eight-wicket victory in Thiruvananthapuram showcased the team’s potency. Winning the toss, the Indian pace duo of Arshdeep Singh and Deepak Chahar unleashed a fierce spell, reducing South Africa to 9/5 in three overs. Arshdeep’s 3/32 and Chahar’s 2/24 rattled the Proteas, with only Keshav Maharaj’s 41 off 35 offering any fight as South Africa limped to 106/8.

Chasing a modest target, India’s start was cautious against Kagiso Rabada. However, KL Rahul (51* off 56) and Suryakumar Yadav (50* off 33) guided India to the win with an unbroken 93-run stand. Suryakumar’s fireworks helped India reach the target in the 17th over, claiming a 1-0 series lead.

Kohli’s captain’s knock seals the win, 2019

In Mohali on September 18, 2019, India clinched a confident seven-wicket win over South Africa. After limiting the Proteas to 149/5, India chased down the target, thanks to Virat Kohli’s stunning 72 off 52 balls. Kohli’s elegant strokes and precise timing anchored the chase, supported by Shikhar Dhawan’s aggressive 40 off 31, providing India with a strong start.

Quinton de Kock’s quick 52 off 37 had given South Africa hope, but Deepak Chahar’s 2/22 hampered their progress. Temba Bavuma’s steady 49 lacked acceleration, and South Africa’s total fell short. Shreyas Iyer finished off with a boundary, with India posting 151/3 and wrapping up a thrilling start to their home series.

A 48-run victory, 2022

In a thrilling third T20I in Visakhapatnam, India outplayed South Africa by 48 runs, showcasing a perfect blend of aggressive batting and sharp bowling. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ishan Kishan opened with a fiery 97-run stand, each reaching half-centuries with style. Gaikwad’s 57 and Kishan’s quick 54 laid a solid foundation, and Hardik Pandya’s late 31 off 21 ensured India posted a challenging 179/5.

South Africa’s chase stumbled early as captain Temba Bavuma fell quickly. Yuzvendra Chahal’s clever variations (3/20) paired with Harshal Patel’s wily slower deliveries (4/25) dismantled the South African lineup. Bowled out for 131, South Africa couldn’t keep up with the pace, while Chahal earned Player of the Match, reinforcing India’s dominance in the series.