Fans go wild as Varun Chakaravarthy and Hardik Pandya help India demolishes South Africa in Ahmedabad T20I to clinch a 3-1 series win


India capped off a dominant home season with a commanding all-round display in Ahmedabad, defeating South Africa by 30 runs in the fifth and final T20I to seal the series 3–1. The victory marked India’s eighth consecutive T20I series win, a streak stretching back to December 2023. A raucous Narendra Modi Stadium witnessed momentum swings, explosive strokeplay and decisive middle-over bowling. While South Africa threatened briefly through Quinton de Kock’s counterattack, India’s depth and composure ultimately proved decisive.

IND vs SA: Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma power India to a towering total

India’s imposing total of 232 for five was built on a foundation of fearless intent and sustained acceleration, with Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma turning a solid platform into a statement score. After an aggressive powerplay from Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson ensured early momentum, the innings briefly stalled following Samson’s dismissal just as he looked set. That lull was emphatically shattered once Pandya walked in. Embracing the atmosphere at his former IPL home, Pandya launched a brutal assault, punishing anything short or full and muscling even well-directed deliveries deep into the stands.

His 16-ball half-century, the second fastest by an Indian in T20Is, flipped the match on its head and left South Africa scrambling for containment. At the other end, Tilak provided balance and clarity, rotating strike smartly before unfurling crisp drives and calculated lofted shots. The duo’s 105-run stand off just 44 balls transformed a competitive score into an intimidating one. Tilak’s composure ensured the momentum never dipped after Pandya’s dismissal, while late contributions kept the run rate soaring. By the end of the innings, South Africa were staring at a daunting chase on a surface offering little margin for error.

Also READ: Top 5 fastest fifties for India in T20I cricket ft. Hardik Pandya – IND vs SA

IND vs SA: Varun Chakravarthy triggers South African collapse as India shut the door

South Africa’s pursuit began with intent as Quinton de Kock attacked early, particularly targeting Arshdeep Singh to keep the asking rate in check. Even as Washington Sundar bowled a quietly effective powerplay spell, the visitors surged to a strong start, reaching 99 for one by the ninth over with de Kock in full flow. The contest hung delicately balanced at the halfway mark, but India seized control through precision and patience. The turning point arrived with Jasprit Bumrah’s timely return, when de Kock mistimed a slower offcutter and offered a sharp return catch, ending South Africa’s best hope.

From there, Varun Chakravarthy took centre stage. Mixing pace, dip and sharp turn, he dismantled the middle order, removing key batters and choking scoring options as pressure mounted. Pandya complemented him with clever changes of pace, forcing miscues into the deep on the vast square boundaries. A rapid cluster of wickets turned a chase into a scramble, and once Varun bowled George Linde with a classic googly, the outcome was beyond doubt. Though Marco Jansen briefly threatened with late blows, Bumrah slammed the door shut, ensuring India closed the match with authority.

Also WATCH: Shivam Dube takes a sublime one handed catch to dismiss Reeza Hendricks during 5th T20I in Ahmedabad

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IND vs SA [WATCH]: Shivam Dube takes a sublime one handed catch to dismiss Reeza Hendricks during 5th T20I in Ahmedabad

IND vs SA [WATCH]: Shivam Dube takes a sublime one handed catch to dismiss Reeza Hendricks during 5th T20I in Ahmedabad

India struck a crucial blow just after the powerplay as Reeza Hendricks fell just when …

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