Quinton fires as South Africa hand India a big defeat, level series at 1-1

Left-handed opener made a quickfire 90 before bowlers took over to help visitors win by 5l runs

- Shalini Gupta

South Africa's Quinton de Kock was named Player of the Match for his 46-ball 90 against India in New Chandigarh on Thursday. RAVI KUMAR/HINDUSTAN TIMES

(RAVI KUMAR/HINDUSTAN TIMES)

It was a perfect setting for the Indian batting to show their might. The 214-run target was chalienging but with good batting conditions on offer and plenty of December dew, it promised a good contest. However, India crumbled to a 51-run defeat with the visitors levelling the five-match series 1-1.

Local boys Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma came out to bat and before one could even blink, they were back in the pavilion, falling to the pace and bounce of an inspired South African fast bowling show.

Gill, whose T20 selection is now under the scanner, lasted just a ball. Incidentally, Abhishek, who now seems to be under pressure with fast bowlers peppering him with short balls aimed at his throat, also failed. India lost their heart.