Picture Courtesy -- ABP News
This four-match T20 series promises action, with young Indian talents eager to shine
As Team India gears up for their tour of South Africa, anticipation is building. This T20 series, featuring four matches, is set to kick off on November 8, with Suryakumar Yadav at the helm. Known for his explosive batting, Yadav will lead a young Indian squad brimming with talent. Fresh off T20 series wins against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, Team India is focused on extending their winning streak. The 1st T20I will set the stage at Kingsmead, where India last battled South Africa in a T20 format back in 2011.
Watching SA vs IND 2011 T20 Match 😍🇮🇳
— Jairam (@Jairam__SR3) December 11, 2021
Suresh Raina who helped India post a winning score on a low, slow pitch....scored 41 runs from 23 balls includes 2 fours & 3 sixes 👌🏻🔥
Raina in Blues ✨💙 Those Days 💫
Miss u Champ @ImRaina 🥺💙#SureshRaina pic.twitter.com/3h8oCpcIAX
On January 9, 2011, India took on South Africa in a memorable T20I at Durban, a match still fresh in fans' minds. Batting first, India posted a formidable target of 168 runs, thanks to strong performances by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Kohli’s 28 off 19 balls provided a sturdy start, but it was Sharma’s 53 off 34 that stole the show. Known for his explosive shots, Sharma’s knock included five boundaries and two sixes, setting the stage for India’s total. Suresh Raina, too, played a critical role, accelerating the score with his quick 41 off 23.
South Africa’s chase began with promise, thanks to opener Morne van Wyk. His 67 off 39 balls was nothing short of electric, featuring five fours and five sixes. South Africa reached 59/2 within the powerplay, keeping fans hopeful. But the tide shifted when AB de Villiers fell to a brilliant run-out by Raina. Van Wyk’s departure in the 11th over further stalled South Africa’s momentum. The pitch at Kingsmead was slow, aiding India’s spinners, who turned up the heat as South Africa struggled to find their rhythm.
Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, and Rohit Sharma pose with the trophy //Picture Courtesy -- ESPNCricinfo
India’s bowlers rose to the occasion, with Ashish Nehra leading the way. His spell of 2/22 kept the South African batters under control. Yuvraj Singh’s 1/20 also proved valuable, as he broke partnerships at key moments. Yusuf Pathan added to South Africa’s woes, dismissing David Miller and another lower-order batter, tightening India’s grip on the game. The pressure mounted, and South Africa’s middle order faltered. Except for captain Johan Botha, who managed 25 off 22 balls, the rest of the batting lineup couldn’t settle against India’s disciplined bowling and South Africa finished at 147.
Makhaya Ntini waving to his fans in his last match //Picture Courtesy -- ESPNCricinfo
This match marked the last international appearance of South African pace legend Makhaya Ntini. Though his spell was expensive, he had a moment of glory when he caught Rohit Sharma. Ntini’s farewell added an emotional touch to the game, celebrated by fans and teammates alike. His contribution to South African cricket was honoured with respect and admiration, making this T20I a truly special occasion. Ntini’s exit symbolised the end of an era, as he left an indelible mark on the game.
India’s victory by 21 runs in this T20I wasn’t just a win; it was a display of skill and strategy. Spinners played a crucial role, slowing down South Africa’s chase and choking their scoring opportunities. Fielding efforts, like Raina’s direct hit to dismiss de Villiers, highlighted India’s sharpness on the field. This win boosted India's confidence on foreign soil, proving that they could perform under challenging conditions. The memories of that game remain vivid, marking one of India’s finest T20I performances abroad.
