Ishan Kishan Dismissed for Duck in India's Super 8 Clash Against South Africa
In a dramatic start to India's innings in the Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup in Ahmedabad on Sunday, opener Ishan Kishan lost his wicket in the very first over, falling for a duck. South African captain Aiden Markram delivered a slower off-break that drifted away, tempting Kishan into a big slog across the line. Misreading the turn, Kishan sent the ball high towards cover, where Ryan Rickelton completed a clean catch, ending Kishan's brief stay at the crease.
Opening Struggles Continue for India
This dismissal adds to India's opening woes in the tournament. Previously, in the group stage, Kishan's opening partner Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for ducks in all three matches he played—against the USA, Pakistan, and the Netherlands. Against South Africa, Sharma managed to get off the mark, but Kishan's early exit put pressure on the Indian batting lineup from the outset.
David Miller's Heroics and South Africa's Recovery
Earlier in the day, South Africa posted a competitive total of 187 for seven, thanks largely to a stellar performance from David Miller. At 37 years old, Miller rolled back the years with exhilarating strokes, scoring 63 off just 35 balls. He received fine support from young Dewald Brevis, who contributed 45 off 29 balls. Their partnership of 97 runs in 8.2 overs was both swift and brutal, helping South Africa recover from a precarious position.
Jasprit Bumrah's Dominant Bowling Spell
India's bowling attack was led by the exceptional Jasprit Bumrah, who delivered a superb spell to restrict South Africa. Bumrah took 3 wickets for just 15 runs in his 4 overs, including two wickets in his first two overs for only seven runs. He bowled 12 dot balls, effectively amounting to two maiden overs, and maintained pressure throughout the innings. Arshdeep Singh also chipped in with 2 wickets for 28 runs, reducing South Africa to 20 for 3 inside the first four overs.
Spinner Varun Chakravarthy Struggles
Despite the early setbacks, Miller and Brevis launched a counter-attack that exposed India's spinner Varun Chakravarthy. Chakravarthy, who ended with figures of 1 for 47 in 4 overs, was made to look pedestrian as the duo clobbered half a dozen sixes between them, three apiece. Just as the black-soil strip at the Motera stadium started favoring stroke players, both Miller and Brevis were dismissed, but not before setting a strong foundation.
Tristan Stubbs Seals the Innings
Tristan Stubbs played a crucial cameo, scoring 44 not out off 24 balls, including a couple of huge sixes off the final two deliveries bowled by Hardik Pandya. This late flourish pushed South Africa past the 185-run mark, setting a challenging target for India in this high-stakes Super 8 encounter.
The match highlighted key performances from both sides, with Miller's batting and Bumrah's bowling standing out. As the T20 World Cup progresses, such clashes are expected to intensify, with teams vying for a spot in the knockout stages.
