Hardik and Varun Shine as India Clinch Series in Thrilling Finale Against South Africa

South Africa began its tour of India with two notable Test victories, but India ensured the tour ended on a different note. In the fifth and final T20I in Ahmedabad on Friday, India secured a commanding victory, clinching the series 3-1.

The match was ignited by Hardik Pandya’s explosive innings, followed by a remarkable bowling performance by spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who took 4/53 and derailed South Africa’s chase.

IND vs SA 5th T20I | FULL SCORECARD

Upon batting first, India posted a formidable total of 231 for five. Hardik (63 off 25 balls, with 5 fours and 5 sixes) demonstrated the ideal T20 strategy, attacking the bowling with purpose.

Despite a lull in momentum due to Suryakumar Yadav’s struggles (5 off 7 balls), Hardik restored India’s aggressive approach upon entering at number five. His first ball was dispatched for a six, signifying his intent. By the time he was dismissed in the last over, Hardik had propelled India beyond the 200-run mark, earning applause from the crowd—an impressive turnaround from his previous reception at the venue when he switched from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024.

Hardik’s efforts were complemented by Tilak Varma (73 off 42 balls, with 10 fours and 1 six), as their 105-run partnership for the fourth wicket came off just 44 balls.

Sanju Samson (37 off 22 balls, with 4 fours and 2 sixes), filling in for the injured Shubman Gill, gave India a strong start alongside Abhishek Sharma (34 off 21 balls, with 6 fours and 1 six). The PowerPlay was marked by aggressive shots and a high tempo, with Samson providing the spark India often lacked due to Gill’s recent slump in form.

Varun Chakravarthy (4/53) derailed the South African chase | Photo Credit: VIJAYSONEJI

South Africa’s hopes were kept alive by an assertive 35-ball 65 from Quinton de Kock, with the team looking competitive at 118 for one. However, Jasprit Bumrah, well-known for his timely breakthroughs, dismissed De Kock with a clever slower delivery.

Hardik then removed Dewald Brevis with a short-pitched delivery in the following over. Varun delivered crucial blows in the 13th over, trapping Aiden Markram and bowling Donovan Ferreira, reducing South Africa to 136 for five. A frugal 17th over by Bumrah, yielding only two runs, effectively ended South Africa’s challenge.

Published on Dec 19, 2025