Varun Chakravarthy’s Heroics in Vain as South Africa Snaps India’s Winning Streak

India’s remarkable 11-match winning streak in T20 internationals came to an end on Sunday as South Africa clinched a thrilling three-wicket victory in the second T20I in Durban. 

Spinner Varun Chakravarthy delivered a stunning spell of 5 for 17, but the hosts rallied behind Tristan Stubbs’ composed knock to seal the game in the penultimate over.  

Chasing a modest 125, South Africa’s innings wavered at 66 for 6, undone by Chakravarthy’s magical bowling. The 32-year-old bamboozled the Proteas’ top order with his variations, securing a maiden T20I five-wicket haul. 

However, a determined partnership between Stubbs (47) and Gerald Coetzee (19) for the eighth wicket guided South Africa home with six balls to spare.  

“In a T20, someone getting a five-for while defending 125 is incredible,” India skipper Suryakumar Yadav said after the match. 

“Varun has been waiting for this for a long time, working hard on his bowling, and everyone enjoyed it.”  

Earlier, India struggled with the bat after being asked to bat first, managing just 124 for six. Suryakumar top-scored with 32, but the South African bowlers, led by Marco Jansen and Tabraiz Shamsi, executed their plans effectively, keeping the visitors under constant pressure.  

“We always have to back whatever total we get,” Suryakumar said. 

“Of course, in a T20 game, you don’t wanna get 120, but I’m proud of how we bowled. Two games to go, a lot of entertainment left. 1-1 going into Jo’burg is going to be a lot of fun.”  

South African skipper Aiden Markram commended his team’s bowling and resilience. 

“I thought we bowled well, some good plans and our bowlers executed well,” he said. “Sometimes, when you lose wickets in a cluster, it doesn’t look pretty, but we need to take it on the chin and keep our brand of cricket going.”  

Stubbs, named Player of the Match for his composed knock, shared his strategy in the tense chase. “Fortunately, the run rate never got away from us,” Stubbs said. 

“I just tried to breathe. It’s my mom’s birthday, so there were 20-30 people who came to watch. This is my favorite place to play cricket. Coetzee came in and said we can win this. It was always two hits away from being back to run-a-ball.”  

The series, now tied at 1-1, sets up an exciting decider in Johannesburg. While India will look to bounce back with a stronger batting display, South Africa aims to build on their momentum and seal the series at home.