Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav was delighted after they defeated South Africa comprehensively by 106 runs in the third T20I at the New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg on Thursday. SKY wanted his players to play with an aggressive approach and was glad that they showed character after going 1-0 down in the series.
After being put into bat, India posted a par score of 201 runs on the board, courtesy of a fine knock of 100 runs off just 56 balls from captain Suryakumar Yadav.
After India lost two early wickets of Shubman Gill and Tilak Varma, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Suryakumar Yadav were able to get their team back on the right track. Jaiswal was the aggressor whereas SKY got off to a sedate start.
The left-hander completed his fifty off 34 balls whereas SKY was able to change gears after facing 20 balls. The right-hander got to his fifty off 32 balls as he took Andile Phehlukwayo for 23 runs in the 13th over, which tilted the impetus in India’s favor.
SKY scored his fourth T20I century (the joint-most in the format) as he took South African bowlers to the cleaners and helped the visitors in going past the 200-run mark.
Suryakumar Yadav said in the post-match presentation, “I am good. I am walking, so good. Always a good feeling. When it comes in a winning cause, it makes me happier. We wanted to play some fearless brand of cricket. The idea was to bat first, put some runs on the board and defend. The boys work day in and day out. Happy that they showed some character.”
On the other hand, South Africa was bundled out for a meager score of 95 runs after Kuldeep Yadav bagged a five-wicket haul (5-17), his best bowling figures in T20Is. SKY showered praise on the birthday boy for his fine performance.
SKY added, “Kuldeep is never happy. He is always hungry. It is a nice self gift on his birthday. I mean it is important to know your game. I just go out there and enjoy myself. The balance is important.”
After the T20I series, both of these teams will take on each other in the three-match ODI series. The first ODI will be played at the New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg on Sunday.
