IND vs SA: Hardik Pandya, after hitting Anrich Nortje’s full-length delivery towards mid-wicket, refused to take a single and give Dinesh Karthik the strike in the final over of India’s innings.
India’s hopes of winning a record 13th consecutive T20I game were dashed as they lost to South Africa in the first game of the five-match series at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Thursday. After being put into bat, India posted a strong total of 211 for four in 20 overs, with Ishan Kishan emerging as the top-scorer with 76 off 48 balls. In reply, South Africa, despite losing an early wicket, chased down the total with five balls to spare.
While the match might’ve ended with a defeat, it was a special occasion for India cricketers Hardik Pandya and Dinesh Karthik as both players made their return to the side.
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While Hardik last featured for India during the T20 World in the UAE last year, Karthik made a comeback after being sidelined for almost three years.
Hardik played a quickfire knock of 31 not out off just 12 balls, smashing three sixes and two boundaries.
However, during his knock, Hardik refused to take a single on the penultimate delivery of the Indian innings with Karthik at the non-striker’s end.
Hardik, after hitting Anrich Nortje‘s full-length delivery towards midwicket, refused to take a single and give Karthik the strike.
— RohitKohliDhoni (@RohitKohliDhoni) June 9, 2022
South Africa eventually won the match by seven wickets.
Chasing a target of 212, Rassie van der Dussen and David Miller played unbeaten knocks of 75 (46) and 64 (31), respectively.
With the win, South Africa took a 1-0 lead in the series.
The second T20I will be played at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Sunday, June 12.
