During the first T20I match between India and South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav found himself in a heated exchange with South African players Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee. The confrontation took place in the 15th over of South Africa’s innings after Sanju Samson raised a concern about being obstructed by Jansen while attempting to collect the ball behind the stumps. Suryakumar, visibly frustrated, stepped in to defend his teammate, leading to an animated discussion with Jansen and Coetzee. Umpires Lubabalo Gcuma and Stephen Harris had to intervene to defuse the situation.
India Clinches Comfortable Victory Over South Africa
Despite the mid-game tension, Suryakumar-led India secured a dominant 61-run win, taking a 1-0 lead in the four-match series. India batted first and set a target of 202/8, thanks to an explosive 107-run knock by Sanju Samson—his second consecutive T20I century, making him the first Indian to achieve back-to-back centuries in the format.
In response, South Africa struggled against Indian spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi, who each took three wickets, dismissing the hosts for 141 runs in 18 overs. With this victory, India remains unbeaten in T20Is at Durban.
Reflecting on the match, Suryakumar Yadav praised Samson’s performance, saying, “The hard work he’s put in over the last 10 years is showing. Even in the 90s, he was aiming for boundaries—playing for the team shows his character.” He also highlighted India’s fearless brand of cricket, adding, “In T20, we aim to score big without fear, and if we can reach 200 in 17 overs, why not?”
India and South Africa will face off again in the second T20I of the series on Sunday, November 10.
