Mon Nov 11 11:58:17 UTC 2024: ## South Africa Edge India in Thrilling T20I Series Opener
**Gqeberha, South Africa:** Tristan Stubbs emerged as the hero for South Africa, guiding them to a thrilling 3-wicket victory against India in the second T20I, tying the series at 1-1.
Stubbs’s crucial knock of 47, including some powerful boundaries in the final over, ensured a nail-biting finish for the Proteas. Earlier, Varun Chakaravarthy had put in a stellar performance for India, claiming a remarkable five-wicket haul, including the dismissals of dangerous hitters Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller.
India, batting first, posted a modest 124/6, with Hardik Pandya’s gritty 39 providing a late flourish after their top order stumbled.
The match was a see-saw battle throughout. South Africa, chasing a challenging target, lost wickets at regular intervals before Stubbs and Gerald Coetzee put on a crucial partnership to bring the Proteas within striking distance.
The penultimate over, bowled by Coetzee, saw India managing just 3 runs, raising the tension even higher. However, Stubbs delivered in the final over, smashing four boundaries to secure the win for his side.
India will now look to regain the lead in the series when the two teams clash in the third T20I at SuperSport Park in Centurion.
First Piper 