The match did not start well for India as Rohit and Rishabh were out pretty early. However, Virat who wasn't performing well throughout the world cup came up with a great performance to hold one end. Axar Patel took risks and scored well at the other end. With little cameos here and there the team managed to score a total of 174. It did feel short considering the South African batting lineup. However, it was still something that could be defended.
It was South Africa's turn to bat and the Indian bowlers managed to take couple of quick wickets. The South African team still maintained a descent run rate in the power play overs. After the powerplay overs as well the South African team were cruising along easily. Kuldeep and Axar were getting hit despite their great performances in previous matches. Klassen's wicket by Hardik was the first turning point. With the required rate around 6, the game was still tilted in South Africa's favor. Rohit brought back Bumrah earlier and he got Jansen's wicket. David Miller though was still looking dangerous. It was in Hardik's over that Surya Kumar Yadav took a great mindful catch of David Miller's by juggling the ball at the boundary line that totally tilted the game back in India's favor. He was going to cross the boundary line after catching the ball due to the momentum but threw the ball up in the air inside the boundary line, crossed the boundary line and came back in to catch the ball again. This I feel was the moment which changed the course of the game in India's favor.
Though it was a struggle to watch the match with the on and off network, in the end the result made it worth all the trouble.
Kudos Team India for bringing the T20 International world cup back home and also for the consistent and unbeaten run throughout the world cup tournament.
