India vs South Africa 5th T20I Highlights: IND win by 30 runs; clinch series 3-1 by defeating Proteas

“It was a high-intensity match and probably the best game of the series. I really enjoyed it. That’s the role assigned to me; my first option is always to look for wickets. There’s no reason not to. So whenever I get the ball, my mindset is to attack and look to make an impact. I talk to all of them - Surya, Sanju and others. They always encourage me and those conversations really help. (How do you stay ahead of the curve?) Just by constantly evolving. I try to bring something new every series. If it works, great; if not, I go back, work on it and come back stronger. That’s how I keep improving. I would like to dedicate this to my mom, dad, and sister.”

“Winning games is what you play for and it’s always exciting when your contribution helps the team get over the line. No, I actually didn’t know (he has the second fastest fifty for India) until I got out and went back. Our social media guys told me I was the second-fastest. My first reaction was, “Ah, I missed the top spot!” But happy that Yuvi pa holds that record. Today I just felt it. I actually told my partner beforehand that I was going to step out first ball and try to hit it for six. I was confident it would come off. The situation suited my style; I backed myself and it worked. I took a calculated risk and thankfully it went my way. I’ve always enjoyed the challenge.”

“No matter how many setbacks you face, the aim is to come back stronger, better, and make a bigger impact. When it all comes together, it feels satisfying. But the journey continues - the preparation, the planning, the hard work never stops.”

“From the start of the series, we wanted to stick to a particular brand of cricket and we did exactly that. We didn’t try to do anything different. We wanted to express ourselves in all departments and the results are right there in front of everyone. Yeah, this is something we felt was missing in our last few series. This is exactly how we wanted to bat, once someone gets going, they don’t stop. We wanted that relentless intent, and today it worked beautifully.”

“Yes, we wanted to try something different. The plan was to use Bumrah in one over in the powerplay, control the middle phase after drinks and then have him ready for the death overs. Washi stepped up brilliantly today and took responsibility. We were under pressure at times, we were challenged, but this game is about how you respond and the boys did really well. It’s been challenging but a very good series. We did almost everything we wanted to. Maybe the only thing we couldn’t quite manage was finding “Surya the batter” I think he went missing somewhere!(smiles) But he’ll be back stronger. As a team, I’m really happy. Whenever we were in trouble, someone always put their hand up and pulled us through. As captain, that’s very satisfying.”

“Tough loss. Chasing 230 was always going to need a near-perfect effort. Quinny and the top three set it up really well for us and we were right in the contest. But in the middle overs, we just couldn’t quite maintain that momentum. Still, there’s plenty to take away - lessons we’ll learn as a group. And with quite a few World Cup games being played here, I’m sure this experience will prove valuable. we wanted to expose Brevis to that pressure situation. He makes batting look really easy at times and that phase of the game was important. There was also a tactical angle - left-right combinations, trying to make things as difficult as possible for the opposition. In T20 cricket, there isn’t always a strict batting order; a lot of it is gut feel. That’s what we went with tonight, and I think flexibility is something most T20 teams rely on. It was challenging, definitely.”

“We were asked some tough questions. That’s a good thing because now we have a clearer idea of what’s required if we want to lift the World Cup. We faced a quality Indian side that played really well, and credit to them. But we also looked inward, identified areas to improve, and the lessons we’ve learned over these two weeks are invaluable. (have they got clarity about their squad) Yeah, absolutely. Early in the series we did a bit of experimenting - different combinations, trying players in various roles, figuring out where we get the best out of everyone. I think now we’ve got a lot of answers. Heading into the World Cup, things will definitely be more structured.”

With this victory, India secured their eighth consecutive T20I bilateral series win, underlining a sustained period of dominance as they build momentum toward the 2026 T20 World Cup at home.

Most consecutive bilateral series wins in T20Is:

Pakistan – 10 (2016–2018)

India – 8 (2023–present)*

India – 8 (2022–2023)

Afghanistan – 7 (2018–2021)

India won the series 3-1 after winning the 5th match against South Africa by 30 runs.

Abhishek Sharma finishes the innings under pressure but does just enough. There’s a dropped chance and one big six, yet he keeps the batters mostly to singles. South Africa don’t get the big final push they need, and the over ends with India firmly on top.

Jasprit Bumrah keeps it simple and ruthless. He gives Bosch nothing to hit, mixes his pace well, and forces mistake after mistake. Dot balls build the pressure, the edge falls short, and South Africa barely move the score. A calm, top-class over when the game needed it most.

Arshdeep Singh mixes his pace smartly and gives very little away at the death. Bosch looks for runs but can’t find gaps, with singles consistently shut down. The only release is a miscued clip that sneaks to the fence after a fielding lapse, but Arshdeep quickly regains control. South Africa are forced into a corner, it’s clearly down to Bosch to take risks now.

Jasprit Bumrah makes an immediate impact after coming back into the attack. Marco Jansen edges one through to Sanju Samson, and despite no big appeal, India go upstairs. The replay shows a faint spike as the ball passes the bat, enough for the third umpire to stick with the on-field call. Jansen departs for 14 off 5 balls, and India tighten their grip further with Bumrah delivering under pressure once again. SA 177/8 after 16.1 overs.

South Africa need 55 runs in 24 balls. While their CRR is 11.06, their RR is 13.75. Marco Jansen 14 (4) and Corbin Bosch 1 (1) are in action for the Proteas.

Varun Chakaravarthy strikes again and completes a superb four-wicket haul. Switching the angle, he bowls a sharp googly that spins across Linde, who swings across the line and misses. The ball deflects off the pad and crashes into the off stump. Linde departs for 16 off 8 balls, and Chakaravarthy’s spell has completely turned the game India’s way. SA 163/7 after 15.2 overs.

Arshdeep Singh lands a crucial blow as David Miller is dismissed at a key moment. The short-of-a-length delivery kicks up, denying Miller the room he needs for the pull, and he ends up hitting it straight to Sanju Samson. Miller falls for 18 off 14 balls, and India continue to chip away just when South Africa needed a big finish. SA - 154/6

Varun Chakaravarthy strikes again, and this one is a stunner. He beats Ferreira all ends up with a perfect delivery that crashes into the stumps. Even the usually calm Chakaravarthy can’t hide his joy, sprinting towards his teammates after the breakthrough. Ferreira is gone for a first-ball duck, and India tighten the grip further.

Varun Chakaravarthy delivers a huge breakthrough as Aiden Markram is trapped lbw. The appeal is loud and confident, and the umpire raises the finger. South Africa opt for the review, but replays confirm no bat and show the impact to be umpire’s call, which means the on-field decision stands. Markram departs for 6 off 4 balls. SA 135/4 (12.3 overs)

Hardik Pandya strikes as the second set batter departs. He rolls his fingers on a slower short-of-a-length delivery, Brevis goes hard at the pull from outside off and gets it high on the bat. Washington Sundar settles under it and takes a safe catch. Brevis walks back for 31 off 17 balls, and India claw their way back with timely wickets. SA 122/3 after 11.1 overs.

Quinton de Kock departs for 65 off 35 balls, falling to a brilliant caught-and-bowled by Jasprit Bumrah. After leaking runs at both ends, Bumrah strikes back with a slower delivery that dips on de Kock, who chips it straight to the bowler. Bumrah reacts instinctively, clinging onto the ball for a soft dismissal, breaking a dangerous partnership and putting India back in the game. SA 120/2 after 10.2 overs.

Brevis and Quinton de Kock continue the assault against Hardik Pandya. Brevis starts with a four and a huge six, followed by another boundary, showing impeccable timing. De Kock joins in with a flat pull for four, keeping South Africa in full control. Hardik’s variations create chances, but the batters remain dominant.

Varun Chakaravarthy’s over sees fireworks from both openers. Quinton de Kock opens with a straight six and follows it with a beautifully timed reverse sweep. Brevis joins the action with a flat six over long-off and a boundary past deep backward point. Smart running between the wickets ensures South Africa maintain momentum after losing their first wicket. SA 99/1 after 9 overs

The in-form batter Quinton de Kock smashes his 18th fifty in the T20Is off 30 deliveries. SA 76/1 (after 8 overs)

At 6.3 overs, Reeza Hendricks departs after scoring 13 off 12 balls. Varun Chakaravarthy delivers, and Shivam Dube produces a moment of sheer brilliance, casually running left and plucking the catch out of thin air with his left hand. A wicket against the run of play, leaving even Chakaravarthy and the fielders smiling at Dube’s athleticism.

Washington Sundar mixes up his lengths and angles, testing the openers with off-side yorkers and well-directed slower balls. Quinton de Kock showcases his timing with a powerful pull past mid-wicket and smart singles, while Reeza Hendricks rotates strike with calm precision.

Jasprit Bumrah delivers a brilliant over, showing all his variations. He mixes slower balls, clever inswingers, and a pinpoint yorker to keep the batters on their toes. Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks manage to rotate strike with singles, but Bumrah’s control and precision make it a challenging over.

Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks keep the scoring flowing against Washington Sundar. De Kock rocks back to smash a six deep into mid-wicket and follows it with singles and a mistimed cut. Reeza adds a couple of flicks for singles, helping South Africa reach 50 in just four overs, keeping the innings on a strong footing.

Quinton de Kock puts on a show against Arshdeep Singh. He starts with a massive six over mid-off, then picks up a full toss outside off for a square drive four. After a dot and a clever flick-pull past mid-wicket for four, Arshdeep concedes a couple of leg-side wides. De Kock finishes the over with another four off a well-placed glance and a loft into the deep for two, keeping South Africa cruising at a brisk pace. SA 43/0 (3 overs)

Reeza Hendricks and Quinton de Kock keep things ticking against Washington Sundar. Reeza starts with a single, then cuts a full delivery for four and follows it with a pull for another single. De Kock chips and clips cleverly for singles at backward point and square leg. The over ends with a well-bowled yorker that Reeza just manages to defend, keeping South Africa off to a solid start.

Quinton de Kock starts aggressively against Arshdeep Singh. After a cautious first, he unleashes three consecutive boundaries, a flick, a pull, and a straight drive, showing excellent timing and placement. The South African captain sets the tone with a flurry of runs in the opening over. RSA 12/0 after 1st over.

India batters have registered their second highest score on the ground in T20Is. The Proteas will aim to start their innings on a strong note in order to complete the chase.

The last over by Ottneil Baartman provided all the excitement. Tilak Varma started with a wide and followed up with a clever scoop for four, then picked up a single. Hardik Pandya, after a blazing 63 off 25 balls (5 fours, 5 sixes), was caught by Reeza Hendricks. Shivam Dube immediately responded with a massive six. Tilak Varma was run out in a mix-up, on a ball which was wide. However, Dube ended the innings with a four.

At 19.3 overs, Hardik Pandya’s brutal innings comes to an end. A low full toss from Ottneil Baartman is smashed flat, but straight to Reeza Hendricks at deep mid-wicket. Hardik departs after a brilliant 63 off 25 balls, with 5 fours and 5 sixes, leaving the crowd stunned and applauding a superb display of power hitting.

Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya continue to dominate Marco Jansen. Tilak opens with a sweet four over cover, then rotates strike with a single. Hardik flicks two yorkers cleverly for quick twos and almost smashes another for four but is denied by the stumps. IND 215/3 after 19 overs.

Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma keep the scoreboard ticking against Ngidi. Tilak picks up a couple of runs and a leg bye, while Hardik edges one past the keeper for four. A wide and a couple of singles see India finish the over strongly, maintaining momentum with smart running and aggressive intent. IND 205/3 after 18 overs.

Hardik Pandya continues his assault against Corbin Bosch with an extraordinary over. He starts with a flicked single from Tilak Varma, then launches two massive sixes, including one off a full toss and another over mid-wicket off a yorker-length ball. A straight four adds to the carnage, before a clever squeeze for no run off the final delivery. India surge forward with fearless hitting.

At 16.5 overs, Hardik Pandya smashes a six over to record a 16-ball fifty, the second fastest for India in T20Is after Yuvraj Singh (12 balls).

Tilak Varma hits a four off Ngidi's delivery in the 15th over to record his 6th half-century in the T20Is, in style. He scored 53 off just 30 balls.

Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma explode in a sensational over off Linde. Tilak opens with a towering six over long-on, and Hardik takes over, smashing a pull for four, followed by back-to-back monstrous sixes, including a lofted cover drive and a no-look shot over mid-wicket. Another four to finish the over leaves the Proteas reeling as India storm ahead with fearless hitting. IND 158/3 after 14 overs.

Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma take charge after Suryakumar Yadav’s soft dismissal. Hardik arrives in style, smashing his first ball over mid-off for a massive six that even hits a cameraman on the arm! He follows it up with a neat drive for four and a single, while Tilak lofts a back-of-a-length delivery over mid-on for four and rotates strike with a quick single. India quickly recover and keep the momentum going as Hardik smashes another four to end the over. IND 131/3 after 13 overs.

Suryakumar Yadav’s innings comes to an end with a soft dismissal. Trying to clear the infield off a length ball from Corbin Bosch, SKY mistimes the shot and finds Miller in the deep. He departs after scoring 5 off 7 balls, leaving India a bit under pressure.

Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav keep the scoreboard ticking with smart singles and a couple of cheeky twos. Linde keeps things tight with good line and pace, but India manage steady progress through clever strike rotation.

Tilak Varma takes charge against Ottneil Baartman, opening the over with a classy late cut for four. He rotates strike well with singles, while Suryakumar Yadav nudges a couple into the off-side. Some low and short deliveries keep the batters cautious, but India steadily add runs without losing further wickets.

Tilak Varma 24(15) and Suryakumar Yadav 2(2) look to stabilize the innings after losing the wickets of both the openers.

George Linde produces a beauty to end Sanju Samson’s knock. The ball drifts in, pitches around middle and leg, and then straightens just enough to beat Samson as he backs away. Completely beaten, Samson sees his middle stump knocked back. It’s a top-class delivery, and a fine innings comes to an end. Samson gets out for 37 off 22 balls.

A dramatic moment in the 9th over as Sanju Samson is dropped off Ferreira, but the bigger concern is umpire Rohan Pandit. Samson drills a full ball straight back, the return catch bursts through Ferreira’s hands and crashes into the umpire’s knee. Pandit is clearly in pain and walks away before going down, while the batters manage a single. The physios are checking on him. After a spray is apllied, Rohan Pandit slowly gets onto his feet. He is fine and we are ready to resume.

There is some bounce and grip on offer, but Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma rotate strike well with singles in between. Samson takes charge against Linde and ends the over in style with a big six after the bowler overpitches. India continue to move along at a healthy pace despite losing an early wicket.

Tilak Varma settles in quickly against Ferreira. He picks up a boundary with a neat glance down the leg side after a loose delivery. Singles and leg byes keep the scoreboard ticking as Ferreira bowls flatter and quicker, trying to cramp the batters. India rotate strike well and close out a steady over.

After Abhishek Sharma's wicket, Tilak Varma 4 (2) and Sanju Samson 27 (14) are in action for Team India.

Abhishek Sharma’s attacking knock comes to an end as he is caught behind off Corbin Bosch's delivery. There was no big appeal, but the umpire gave it out straight away. India went for the review, hoping for a reprieve, but UltraEdge showed a faint spike. After another look, the third umpire stayed with the on-field call. Abhishek walks back for 34 off 21 balls.

Runs keep flowing as Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson both find the boundary off Marco Jansen. While Samson answers with a powerful shot over extra cover. Abhishek uses the field smartly before stepping out and smashing boundaries. Singles in between, plus a leg-bye, make it another expensive over for Jansen as India stay firmly on top.

Sanju Samson takes charge against Ottneil Baartman with a confident over. He starts with a clean straight drive, then hits another full ball over the infield for four. A lucky edge brings two runs, and another edge runs away between slip and short third for four. India continue to score comfortably without losing a wicket.