Miller's century in vain as India overpowers Proteas in a high-scoring battle

Suryakumar Yadav (PC: Twitter)

David Miller's high-class knock was not enough as India conquered the African challenge by 16 runs to win the match and take the series lead by 2-0. Humidity levels were discomforting in Guwahati, where the batters fired 25 sixes.

Indian batting demolishes African bowling line-up

After being asked to bat first on what looked like a sticky wicket in Guwahati, the Indian opener gave a blistering start to the innings, where they amassed 57 runs in the powerplay without losing any of the wickets. Skipper Rohit Sharma knocked the bowlers around with his 37-ball 43 along with the seasoned opener KL Rahul who smashed a rollicking 57 off just 28 deliveries.

After their departure, it was Suryakumar Yadav and Virat Kohli's show, who were literally on fire with the bat. It was nothing less than a fireworks show where they cumulatively smacked six sixes and 12 fours during their stay at the crease. Sky batted much more fluently than any other batter, where he racked up 61 from just 22 balls smashing five of those big hits, before getting run out.

Kohli did pretty well, too, where he reached 49 not out, ultimately getting stranded at the other end in the final over, watching Dinesh Karthik hit 18, including two extras taking India's total to 237 after the end of 20 overs. Except for Keshav Maharaj (2/23), it was a sorry tale for the bowlers who were tonked all over the park with, especially the pacer who received runs at an economy of around 13.

Miller shines but target too big

Chasing 238 for victory, Proteas had a relatively poor start losing two early wickets of captain Temba Bavuma and southpaw Rilee Rossouw for ducks, interestingly, both of them were runless in the previous game too. 

Aiden Markram tried his best but could only manage 33, which brought big-hitter David Miller, on the crease. It was nothing short of a fairy-tale innings from Miller, who thumped a marvellous 106 from 47 balls striking at 225 with seven sixes and eight fours to power his side to a gigantic 221, still falling short by 16 runs. 

It was mainly Quinton de Kock's struggle, who scored 69 from 48 deliveries but consumed too many balls at the start, causing much to achieve at the death. Indian bowlers were expensive like their counterparts, except for Deepak Chahar, who gave just 24 runs in four overs.

Brief Scores:

India: 237/3 (20 Overs)

Suryakumar Yadav 61 (22), KL Rahul 57 (28);
Keshav Maharaj 2/23 (4), Aiden Markram 0/9 (1)

South Africa: 221/3 (20 Overs)

David Miller 106*(47), Quinton de Kock 69* (48);
Arshdeep Singh 2/62 (4), Axar Patel 1/53 (4)

Match Result: India won by 16 runs.

Also Read: Quinton de Kock goes past JP Duminy in prestigious standings for South Africa