South Africa’s Tristan Stubbs celebrates after hitting the winning runs

Leg-spinner Varun Chakaravarthy’s career-best five for 17 went in vain as India suffered a three-wicket loss to South Africa in the second T20I at the St. George’s Oval.

The 33-year-old’s stunning performance helped India reduce South Africa to 66 for six while chasing 125 but Tristan Stubbs (47) and Gerald Coetzee (19) took the hosts home in 19 overs, ending India’s 11-match winning streak.

Earlier, India struggled with the bat, posting just 124 for six after being put in to bat. They lost three quick wickets, falling to 15 for three within four overs.

Axar Patel (27) steadied the innings, partnering with Tilak Varma (20) and Hardik Pandya (39). Despite the top-order failure, Pandya’s late flourish ensured India set a more competitive total.

Chief score: 
India: 124/6 in 20 overs (Hardik Pandya 39 n.o, Axar Patel 27)
South Africa: 128/7 in 19 overs (Tristan Stubbs 47 n.o, Varun Chakaravarthy 5/17). 
(Agencies)