Virat Kohli inspired India to a seven-wicket victory over South Africa in the second T20 international in the three-match series. The first game was washed out and the hosts have now taken an unbeatable 1-0 lead in the series.
Kohli scored 72 runs from 52 balls to help his side chase down 150 runs in 19 overs. His incredible display comprised of beautiful stroke-play that kept the scoreboard ticking over.
The visitors got off to a promising start with openers Reeza Hendricks and Quinton de Kock propelling them to 31 runs in less than four overs. The latter fell to Deepak Chahar after he found Washington Sundar at mid-on.
However, this did not slow De Kock down as he continued to blitz through the Indian bowling attack to reach his half-century. It took a stunning catch from Kohli to send the wicket-keeper back to the pavilion after a good knock.
1-0 🇮🇳🇮🇳 #TeamIndia wrap the 2nd T20I by 7 wickets #INDvSA @paytm pic.twitter.com/GW0FBddf3k
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 18, 2019
Temba Bavuma kept the runs flowing steadily but the dismissal of Rassie van der Dussen at 90-3 broke the momentum and allowed India to slowly impose themselves on the opposition. Cameos from David Miller (18) and Dwaine Pretorius (10) did not suffice as the Proteas could only manage 149 runs in their 20 overs.
Like South Africa, India too lost their first wicket after the openers stepped on the gas in the first four overs. The scoreboard read 33-1 when Kohli came in to bat, with Shikhar Dhawan in good touch at the other end.
The southpaw and the skipper put on 61 runs together to provide India with the vantage point half-way through their innings. Dhawan (40) fell before reaching his half-century and Rishabh Pant (4) lost his wicket with a lazy effort.
Kohli and Shreyas Iyer (16*) teamed up to take India home without any hiccups as they reached the target with an over to spare. It was a visual treat for the fans as Kohli displayed grace and composure en route to yet another half-century.
Iyer finished things off with a beautiful straight drive against Bjorn Fortuin to hand India a 1-0 lead in the series.
