South Africa defeated India by five wickets in the second T20I of the three-match series on Tuesday at St George’s Park in Gqeberha.
The Proteas hitters were up to the task from the start, chasing a revised goal of 152 in 15 overs. Reeza Hendricks’ 27-ball 47 and skipper Aiden Markram’s 30 off 17 balls propelled the hosts to 96 for one in 7.4 overs when Markram was caught.
South Africa reached the mark with five wickets in hand and seven balls to spare, despite losing two more wickets, Hendricks and Heinrich Klaasen, on 108.
Mukesh Kumar claimed two wickets, but he and the rest of the Indian bowlers fell for a thrashing, with Kuldeep Yadav the most economical (8.66).
Earlier, rain stopped India’s innings with three balls remained in their 20 overs, leaving them at 180 for seven.
Indian captain Suryakumar smashed 56 off 36 deliveries, while left-handed Singh was undefeated on 68 off 39 deliveries.
Rain had loomed throughout the innings, and it finally became heavy enough for the umpires to remove the players after South African fast bowler Gerald Coetzee claimed two wickets in a row.
When play was halted, Mohammed Siraj was walking out to confront the hat-trick delivery.
Suryakumar took the crease with the score at 6 for 2 after two overs. Yashavi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill were both removed without scoring.
The captain and Tilak Varma (29) were undeterred by the hazardous situation and went on the attack against some inconsistent bowling. They scored 49 points on 25 balls.
Suryakumar and Singh then added 70 runs in 49 balls.
Coetzee grabbed three wickets for 32 runs, but left-arm wrist spinner Tabraiz Shamsi was the most economical, taking one wicket for 18 runs in four overs.
On Sunday, the first match of the three-game series in Durban was rained out without a ball being bowled.