India Clinch Ahmedabad Thriller; Seal Eighth Straight T20I Series Win
By : Jameel Aahmed Milansaar - Bangalore.Ahmedabad, Dec 19
In a match that combined drama, dominance, and high skill, India outclassed South Africa by 30 runs in the final T20I at the Narendra Modi Stadium, sealing the series 2–1 and extending their unbeaten T20I streak to 14 series — a run stretching back to August 2023. The victory, built on Hardik Pandya’s explosive half-century and fiery spells from Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy, underlined India’s depth and composure under lights.
Pandya and Tilak Set the Stage
After being put in to bat, India posted 231 for 5 in 20 overs — a total that proved well beyond South Africa’s reach. A blazing Hardik Pandya stole the show with a 52 off 19 balls, the second-fastest T20I fifty by an Indian, narrowly missing Yuvraj Singh’s long-standing record. Partnering him was Tilak Varma (63 off 38 balls), who anchored the innings with maturity and flair.
Earlier, India’s solid start from Abhishek Sharma (33 off 17) and Sanju Samson (41 off 25) set the tempo before the Pandya–Tilak partnership turbocharged the innings. Even with Rabada (2/45) breaking through late, India’s total crossed the 230 mark — a daunting figure on Ahmedabad’s belter of a track.
Bumrah Breaks the Chase
South Africa began their chase with intent. Quinton de Kock unleashed fireworks, hammering 64 off 33 balls, while Dewald Brevis (46 off 24) joined him to lift the visitors to 118/1 at the halfway mark. For a while, the chase looked very much alive — until Bumrah intervened.
Introduced for his second spell, India’s pace ace produced a game-turning over, removing de Kock with a sharp return catch and sparking a collapse. South Africa stumbled from 120/1 to 135/5, losing four wickets for just 15 runs. Bumrah’s 4-over spell of 2 for 17 was a masterclass in control under pressure, blending yorkers and cutters with surgical precision.
Varun Spins the Web
Once the breakthrough came, Varun Chakaravarthy tightened India’s grip. The mystery spinner claimed 4 for 36, dismantling the middle and lower order with clever variations. His aggression and attacking mindset earned him the Player of the Series award. “My first option is always to look for wickets,” Varun said post-match. “I try to bring something new every series — evolve constantly.”
Post-Match Voices
Hardik Pandya, named Player of the Match, was all smiles:
“Winning games is what you play for, and when your contribution helps the team get over the line, it’s the best feeling. I just felt it today — the ball was in my zone, so I went for it.”
Tilak Varma praised Pandya’s brilliance, saying he learned a lot from the other end:
“The way Hardik bhai batted was a treat to watch. I knew the wicket was good, and we wanted to push past 230. I’m also working hard on my bowling — hopefully, you’ll see me bowl soon.”
Aiden Markram, the South African skipper, remained philosophical in defeat:
“Chasing 230 always needs something special, and though we started well, we couldn’t sustain it in the middle overs. Still, with several upcoming World Cup matches here, this experience will help us.”
A Historic Run of Dominance
This win marks India’s eighth consecutive T20I series victory and the 14th consecutive unbeaten series since August 2023 — a streak that includes triumphs at the 2023 Asian Games, the 2024 T20 World Cup, and the 2025 Asia Cup. What stands out most, however, is the bowling evolution: Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s swing (2022), Arshdeep Singh’s fire (2024), and now Varun’s craft (2025).
As captain Suryakumar Yadav summed it up, India continues to blend experience with fresh energy — and with Hardik Pandya set to take over T20I leadership after the Virat–Rohit era, the transition seems well in control.
Score Summary:
India – 231/5 (20 overs): Tilak Varma 63 (38), Hardik Pandya 52 (19), Sanju Samson 41 (25); Rabada 2/45.
South Africa – 201/8 (20 overs): de Kock 64 (33), Brevis 46 (24); Varun 4/36, Bumrah 2/17.
Result: India won by 30 runs.
Series: India win 2–1.
Player of the Match: Hardik Pandya.
Player of the Series: Varun Chakaravarthy.
The Final Word
Composed under fire, clinical under lights — this was India at their confident best. From Pandya’s bat to Bumrah’s brilliance and Varun’s precision, the team once again showcased why they remain the top T20 side in world cricket. With a World Cup on the horizon, the form and rhythm couldn’t be peaking at a better time.
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