In a spectacular display of power-hitting, all-rounder Hardik Pandya announced his return to form with a devastating 25-ball 63, propelling India to a commanding 30-run victory over South Africa in the fifth and final T20I at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium on Friday night. The win secured a 3-1 series triumph for the Men in Blue, capping off a successful white-ball comeback after losing the Test leg of the tour.
Pandya Unleashes Beast Mode in Ahmedabad
Walking in to bat in the 13th over, Hardik Pandya sent an immediate statement by smashing the first ball he faced from pacer Corbin Bosch for a massive six over mid-off. The ball struck a cameraman near the Indian dugout, requiring medical attention, setting the tone for a brutal assault. Pandya, playing his first series since recovering from a quadriceps injury in September, was in a murderous mood. He tore into the South African bowling attack, racing to a 16-ball half-century, the second-fastest for India in T20Is after Yuvraj Singh's iconic 12-ball fifty in 2007.
His innings of 63 runs included five sixes and five fours. Upon reaching his breathtaking fifty, Pandya blew kisses to his girlfriend, Maheika Sharma, and received a standing ovation from head coach Gautam Gambhir. He forged a match-winning 105-run partnership in just 44 balls for the fourth wicket with the elegant Tilak Varma, who scored a fine 73 off 42 balls. Their partnership powered India to a formidable total of 231 for five after being asked to bat first.
Bowlers Seal the Deal After Batting Onslaught
Chasing a daunting target, South Africa fought hard through opener Quinton de Kock, who scored a brisk 65 off 35 balls. However, the Indian bowlers kept taking crucial wickets at regular intervals to stifle the chase. Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 4 wickets for 43 runs in his four overs. Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah provided his usual control and threat, finishing with excellent figures of 2 for 17 in his four overs. The visitors eventually finished their innings at 201 for eight, falling short by 30 runs.
World Cup Spotlights and Series Context
This comprehensive victory rounded off a fine turnaround for India, who had lost the Test series 0-2 but bounced back to win the ODI series 2-1 and now the T20I series 3-1. However, with exactly 50 days to go for the T20 World Cup at home, the form of captain Suryakumar Yadav remains a concern. The skipper was dismissed for just 5 runs off 7 balls in this match, continuing his lean patch. In contrast, Tilak Varma's consistent and destructive performances have made him a strong contender for the crucial number 3 batting position in the upcoming global tournament.
The performances of Pandya, Varma, Chakravarthy, and Bumrah provided significant positives for the team management. Pandya's return to beast mode, in particular, is a massive boost for India's balance and firepower as they build towards the World Cup on home soil.
