Power failure for local stars

Another setback from Gill, Yadav leads to 51-run defeat as South Africa level series 1-1

- GOMESH S @Chennai

South Africa's players celebrate the wicket of India's Shubman Gill | PTI

(PTI)

SHUBMAN Gill? A first ball duck. Abhishek Sharma nicked one behind after an 8-ball 17 in a chase of 214. Skipper Surya-kumar Yadav, who pushed himself down to No 4 from his usual No 3 spot, too did not last long. He was caught behind after just four balls, continuing what has been a prolonged lean patch for him in international cricket.

Earlier in the day, Arshdeep Singh had gone for 54 runs in four overs, including a 13-ball over where he bowled a record seven wides (most in T20Is). It had been a forgettable day for the hosts and even more for the three Punjab lads who were sort of having a homecoming at the New PCA Stadium. It was, after all, the first time the New Chandigarh venue was hosting a men’s T20I.