India beat South Africa by 30 runs in T20 World Cup practice match

Ishan Kishan smashed 53 off 20 balls as India defeated South Africa by 30 runs in their T20 World Cup warm-up at DY Patil Stadium. Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya also starred as India posted 241/5

Navi Mumbai: In-form Ishan Kishan’s blistering half-century helped India secure a 30-run victory over South Africa in their only warm-up match ahead of the T20 World Cup at the DY Patil Stadium on Wednesday.

Ishan smashed seven sixes and two fours in a 20-ball 53, underlining another dominant show from Indian batters as they piled up 241 for five on a placid wicket.

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The defending champions then used as many as nine bowling options, including three overs from Abhishek Sharma (2/32), to restrict South Africa to 210/7.

Frontline pacer Harshit Rana (0/16) left the field after sending down his only over, pulling out of his run-up twice before not returning to action.

South Africa experimented by sending George Linde (0) to open with Aiden Markram (38 retired out), but the move backfired as Linde fell for a four-ball duck to Arshdeep Singh (1/29). Ryan Rickelton struck 44 off 21 balls, Jason Smith made 35 off 23, while Tristan Stubbs smacked four sixes in an unbeaten 45 off 21 balls. Dewald Brevis fell cheaply for 2.

India pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah took no part in the match.

Earlier, Ishan showcased his array of strokes, including powerful flicks on the on-side, to make the only half-century of the game. He shared an 80-run stand with Abhishek (24 retired out) inside the powerplay. With Sanju Samson struggling for runs, Ishan is expected to open alongside Abhishek in the tournament opener against USA at Wankhede on February 7.

Tilak Varma, returning from injury, raced to 45 off 19 balls before being cleaned up by Marco Jansen. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav (30 off 16) looked to maximise his time in the middle, while vice-captain Axar Patel (35 off 23) and Hardik Pandya (30 off 10) provided late fireworks. Rinku Singh made 16 after being struck on the helmet by Corbin Bosch.

Brief scores: India 240/5 in 20 overs (Ishan Kishan 53, Tilak Varma 45; Marco Jansen 1/18) beat South Africa 210/7 in 20 overs (Ryan Rickelton 44, Tristan Stubbs 45 not out; Abhishek Sharma 2/32) by 30 runs.