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Chakravarty Strikes Early, India Gains Upper Hand in 2nd T20I Against South Africa

Mullanpur, December 11, 2025 – India seized an early advantage in the second T20 International against South Africa here in Mullanpur, thanks to a brilliant delivery from spinner Varun Chakravarty.

Chakravarty, brought into the attack early, made an immediate impact in the fifth over. He bamboozled South African opener Reeza Hendricks with a cleverly disguised carrom ball. Hendricks, looking to attack, was deceived by the subtle variation and skidding delivery, which crashed into his stumps. The dismissal sent a roar through the Mullanpur crowd and shifted the momentum firmly in India’s favour.

The wicket was crucial, as Hendricks was looking to settle in, and Chakravarty’s strike validated the decision to bowl first. This quick breakthrough has only further solidified his reputation as a reliable T20 bowler for India.

India opted for consistency in team selection, fielding the same XI that played in the first match of the series. The South Africans, on the other hand, made three changes to their lineup. Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, and Ottneil Bartman replaced Tristan Stubbs, Keshav Maharaj, and Anrich Nortje. The Proteas’ changes appeared aimed at bolstering their batting depth and top-order strength, whilst adding Bartman’s pace and bounce to exploit the Mullanpur wicket.

Playing XIs:

  • South Africa: Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram (c), Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Marco Jansen, Lutho Sipamla, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Bartman
  • India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarty, Arshdeep Singh

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