In-form Ishan Kishan all but sealed his spot at the top of the batting order after a breathtaking half-century guided India to a 30-run victory over South Africa Cricket Team in their only warm-up match ahead of the T20 World Cup on Wednesday. The high-scoring contest was played at the DY Patil Stadium, where the Indian batters put on a show on a flat surface.
Kishan was in destructive mood from the outset, smashing a 20-ball 53 that featured seven sixes and two fours. His explosive knock formed the backbone of India’s imposing total of 240, as the hosts made full use of ideal batting conditions. The left-hander’s intent was clear early on, particularly during a brutal fifth over where he tore into Anrich Nortje for 29 runs, including four towering sixes and a four.
Opening alongside Abhishek Sharma, Kishan added 80 runs inside the PowerPlay, setting the tone for the innings. Abhishek, however, looked slightly out of rhythm during his 19-ball 24. With Sanju Samson struggling for consistency, Kishan’s blistering form has put him firmly in line to open the batting in the tournament opener against United States Cricket Team at the Wankhede Stadium on February 7.
Kishan walked off immediately after reaching his fifty, allowing India to give other batters valuable time in the middle. Tilak Varma impressed with a rapid 45 off 19 balls before being dismissed by Marco Jansen, while captain Suryakumar Yadav chipped in with a 16-ball 30 despite an unconvincing stay. Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya added late impetus, with Pandya blasting 30 off just 10 balls.
Chasing 241, South Africa experimented with their batting order, sending George Linde to open with Aiden Markram, but the move backfired as Linde fell for a duck to Arshdeep Singh. Ryan Rickelton and Jason Smith provided resistance, while Tristan Stubbs finished unbeaten on 45.
India, who rested pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, used nine bowling options. Abhishek returned figures of 2/32, while concern arose as Harshit Rana left the field after bowling just one over. Despite South Africa reaching 210 for seven, India’s all-round effort ensured a confidence-boosting win heading into the World Cup.
