VIDEO: Varun Chakravarthy's brilliant double breakthroughs derail Proteas' chase in first T20I

New Delhi: In the opening match of their four-game T20I series, India and South Africa are locked in a fierce battle. The Indian team has taken control of the game and is poised to secure a crucial victory, putting them in the lead with a 1-0 advantage in the series.

After Aiden Markram won the toss, India were asked to bat. Although they lost an early wicket in Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson steadied the innings. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter counterattacked, forming a crucial partnership with Suryakumar Yadav to lay a solid foundation for the team.

Despite the dismissal of the Indian captain, the opener continued his aggressive approach, driving India towards a strong total. Sanju Samson played a sensational knock, scoring 107 off 50 balls, helping India surpass the 200-run mark. In the end, the visitors posted a competitive total of 202/8 in their 20 overs.

In response, South Africa’s chase faltered early as Arshdeep Singh dismissed Aiden Markram in the opening over. Soon after, Avesh Khan sent Tristan Stubbs back to the pavilion, and despite a solid start from Ryan Rickelton, Varun Chakravarthy got rid of him, leaving the hosts under mounting pressure.

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Varun Chakaravarthy’s mystery spin shifts the momentum with two massive wickets! #TeamIndia #JioCinemaSports pic.twitter.com/vNpleXN0zo

— JioCinema (@JioCinema) November 8, 2024

After Rickelton’s dismissal, David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen attempted to steady the ship, putting together a crucial 42-run partnership. Just as they seemed to gain control, Varun Chakravarthy struck in the 12th over, dismissing both batters and nearly sealing the game for India. The wickets of Miller and Klaasen in quick succession left the Proteas in an insurmountable position, with little hope of recovery.