Ind vs SA 2nd T20: De Kock and Baartman Secure Payback for South Africa
In the Ind vs SA 2nd T20, South Africa delivered a commanding performance to defeat India by 51 runs in the 2nd T20I of their five-match series at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on Thursday. Electing to bat first, the Proteas posted a formidable 213/4 courtesy of a dazzling 90 from Quinton de Kock, who orchestrated an aggressive innings that set the tone for South Africa’s total. Despite a valiant effort from India’s Tilak Varma (62), the hosts never fully recovered in their pursuit of 214, eventually being dismissed for 162 in 19.1 overs. South Africa’s bowlers, spearheaded by Ottniel Baartman’s 4/24, consistently applied pressure, stifling India’s lineup and leveling the T20I series 1-1. This result sets up an exciting third encounter in the series.
India vs South Africa - 2nd T20I • New Chandigarh
South Africa tour of India, 2025 • 11 December 2025
Match Summary
The second T20I between India and South Africa was dominated by the visitors from start to finish. After India elected to field, South Africa put together a punishing batting display, racing to 50+ inside the powerplay and never looking back. Quinton de Kock starred, pacing his innings with authority to reach 90 runs off just 46 balls, smashing boundaries and maintaining an aggressive intent throughout. Useful contributions from the middle order ensured South Africa reached a competitive 213/4 by the end of 20 overs. In response, India’s chase was derailed early as they lost key wickets in the powerplay. Although Tilak Varma provided resistance with a well-compiled 62, other Indian batters failed to sustain partnerships. South Africa’s bowlers hit consistent lines, with Baartman’s four-wicket haul proving decisive. In the end, India were bundled out for 162, handing South Africa a convincing 51-run victory and leveling the T20I series.
First Innings
South Africa’s first innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Opting to bat first, they began positively in the powerplay, accumulating 53/1 and keeping momentum throughout. The standout performance came from Quinton de Kock, whose fluent strokeplay and smart rotation of strike propelled him to a dominant 90 runs off 46 balls. De Kock’s innings featured well-timed boundaries and calculated risk-taking that kept the scoreboard ticking. Captain Aiden Markram provided early support with a quickfire 29, and later contributions from Dewald Brevis, Donovan Ferreira and David Miller helped sustain the momentum into the death overs. South Africa capitalized on India’s less penetrating bowling attack, posting a strong total of 213/4 in 20 overs — a score that proved difficult for the home side to chase and laid the foundation for their eventual victory.
Second Innings
India’s reply began poorly as they lost Shubman Gill in the first over, immediately putting pressure on the hosts. The top and middle order struggled to build partnerships against disciplined South African bowling. Tilak Varma emerged as the lone batting bright spot, crafting a gritty 62 off 34 balls that showed flair and temperament, and offered India a glimmer of hope in the chase. However, his effort lacked substantial support from other batters, with key names falling cheaply. South Africa’s bowlers maintained strategic lines, with Ottniel Baartman extracting movement and finishing with an impressive 4/24, while others backed him up by consistently taking wickets at crucial junctures. India ultimately were dismissed for 162 in 19.1 overs, well short of the target, as the Proteas’ cohesive performance sealed a comprehensive win.
Quinton De Kock was awarded Player of the Match for his formidable 90 runs.
Top Performers
Quinton de Kock
Quinton de Kock was the standout performer of the match, earning Player of the Match honors with a blistering 90 off 46 balls that anchored South Africa’s innings. His approach blended aggression with control — punishing loose deliveries while rotating strike smartly — and set the tone for the Proteas’ batting dominance. De Kock’s innings featured a flurry of boundaries and calculated strikes that frustrated the Indian bowlers throughout the innings. Beyond raw runs, his ability to keep the scoreboard moving and build partnerships at key moments was vital in pushing South Africa to a par total of 213/4. Without his knock, South Africa would have struggled to post a challenging score for India, making his contribution central to the visitors’ success.
Tilak Varma
In an otherwise disappointing night for India, Tilak Varma emerged as an innings of substance and intent. Coming in during early trouble, Varma played with composure and intent, compiling a well-timed 62 runs off 34 balls that stood out amid frequent batting collapses. His innings combined calculated aggression with smart placement, taking advantage of scoring opportunities while anchoring India’s chase when wickets tumbled around him. Though his effort wasn’t enough to carry India home, Varma’s performance offered a rare positive in a challenging batting display — showcasing his temperament and ability to construct an innings under pressure. His knock will boost confidence moving forward into the series.
What This Match Result Means
South Africa’s convincing 51-run victory has dramatic implications for the five-match T20I series, leveling it at 1-1 and setting up an intriguing third T20I. After India’s dominant performance in the first encounter, this result underscores the competitive balance between the sides and signals that the series remains very much up for grabs.
For South Africa, the win highlights their batting depth and bowling discipline across conditions in India, fostering confidence heading into the next game. For India, the defeat exposes vulnerabilities in both batting and bowling that will need to be addressed promptly, especially with series momentum now in the balance. Adjustments in strategy and execution will be essential as both teams prepare for the third match, with pride, momentum, and series advantage all on the line in Dharamsala.
