After India’s commanding 61-run win over South Africa in the opening T20I, former Proteas cricketer Mark Boucher shared his thoughts on Varun Chakravarthy’s impressive bowling performance. The Indian spinner played a crucial role, taking three wickets for just 25 runs in his four-over spell, helping India successfully defend a challenging target.
Speaking on JioCinema, Boucher commended both Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi, who bowled in tandem to create pressure on the South African batsmen. “Varun Chakravarthy has improved significantly. His partnership with Bishnoi in the middle overs was fantastic,” Boucher observed. “Klaasen looked out of sorts, as if he was struggling with his form.”
Boucher went on to say that the Indian bowling attack made South Africa look overwhelmed at times. “It was almost like men against boys,” he remarked. “At one stage, they bowled nine balls for just three runs, creating immense pressure. South Africa never really looked in control.”
In the match recap, South African captain Aiden Markram chose to field first after winning the toss. India’s innings was propelled by a blistering century from Sanju Samson, while skipper Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma added valuable contributions, helping India reach 202/8. South Africa’s Gerald Coetzee was the standout bowler for his side, picking up three wickets for 37 runs.
Chasing 203, South Africa’s batting faltered against India’s disciplined bowling attack. Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi each took three wickets, restricting the Proteas to just 141 runs with two overs to spare. Heinrich Klaasen and Coetzee were the top scorers for South Africa, though neither managed to surpass the 30-run mark.
Sanju Samson was awarded Player of the Match for his spectacular innings. India will look to continue their winning momentum as they face South Africa in the second T20I of the series on Sunday in Gqeberha.
