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Tilak, Pandya's Fireworks: How Explosive Fifties Powered India to 231

India put up a massive total in the series decider against South Africa. Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya were the stars with explosive half-centuries. Their blistering partnership completely shifted the momentum in India's favor. The Proteas now face a daunting chase to win the series.

Key Points: Tilak Varma Hardik Pandya Fifties Power India 231 vs South Africa

  • Hardik Pandya smashed a 16-ball fifty, the second-fastest by an Indian in T20Is
  • The duo of Pandya and Tilak Varma added 105 runs in just 44 balls for the fourth wicket
  • Openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma gave India a flying start with a 54-run stand
  • South Africa's decision to bowl first backfired as India posted a massive total in the decider
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Tilak, Pandya's explosive fifties power India to 231/5 against Proteas in series decider

Tilak Varma (73) and Hardik Pandya (63) blasted explosive fifties in a 105-run stand, powering India to 231/5 in the T20 series decider against South Africa.

"He creamed as many as 32 runs off the first eight balls he faced. - Article on Hardik Pandya"

Ahmedabad, December 19

Explosive fifties from Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya powered India to a massive 231-5 in the fifth and final T20 against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday.

The duo of Pandya and Varma added 105 runs in just 44 balls for the fourth wicket.

Pandya was caught on deep mid-wicket in the final over after smashing Proteas bowlers all over the ground. He made 63 runs in just 25 balls.

Varma also got run out in the final over before smashing 73 runs off 42 balls.

After winning the toss, South Africa asked India to bat. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma opened the innings for the hosts. Samson and Sharma gave India off to a flying start until Abhishek fell on 34 off 21, while taking a review down with him. The opening stand gave India 54 runs in 34 balls.

Tilak Varma joined Samson in the middle. India finished their power-play on 67-1. In the 9th over, Samson was cleaned by George Linde for 37 runs off 22 balls, and Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav joined Varma in the middle.

After 10 overs, India crossed the 100-run mark with Varma and Yadav unbeaten on the crease. The duo aim to keep two-down India going against the Proteas in the series decider.

Yadav's lean patch of runs continued as he was removed by Corbin Bosch for just five runs in the 13th over. Hardik Pandya came in when Yadav fell. He creamed as many as 32 runs off the first eight balls he faced.

In the 15th over, Varma slammed a four off Lungi Ngidi to bring up his sixth T20i fifty. Tilak's milestone was quickly followed by Pandya's explosive 50, reached in just 16 balls - the second-fastest half-century by an Indian in men's T20Is.

Brief score: India 231/5 (Tilak Varma 73, Hardik Pandya 63; Corbin Bosch 2/44). Vs South Africa.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Great batting display, but I'm a bit worried about Suryakumar Yadav's form. The captain needs to find his rhythm again, especially in these high-pressure deciders. Still, 231 is a massive total to defend!
V
Vikram M
Tilak Varma is proving to be a real find for the future. Played a mature innings under pressure. And Hardik Pandya... when he gets going, there's no stopping him. Bas ab bowlers ko bhi aise hi khelna hai! 💪
R
Rohit P
The opening start by Samson and Sharma was crucial. Set the perfect platform for the middle order to explode. Hope the bowlers can defend this. Chalo boys, finish it off now!
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Priya S
Exciting match! But honestly, the run-outs in the final over were a bit sloppy. We lost 10-15 extra runs there. In a tight series decider, every run counts. Hope it doesn't come back to haunt us.
M
Michael C
That's a formidable total. The Proteas have a strong batting line-up too, so the Indian bowlers need to be on point from ball one. Arshdeep and Bishnoi will be key in the middle overs.

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