India vs South Africa live: Chakravarthy strikes first ball as de Kock fires in New Chandigarh
Varun Chakravarthy needed one ball to jolt a rocking powerplay. On his very first delivery tonight, India’s mystery spinner took a wicket and cut through South Africa’s early surge. Quinton de Kock had come out blazing. The mood flipped in one sharp turn of the wrist. I am watching the tempo swing in real time at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium. This second T20I has lit up early.
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Live from New Chandigarh
India won the toss and chose to field. That choice signaled intent. They want a chase, and they trust their in-form batting group. South Africa began with nerve and punch. De Kock hit clean lines through cover and over midwicket. The ball skidded on nicely.
Then came Chakravarthy. He started immediately on a length that forced doubt. First ball, wicket. The stand broke, and the noise inside this new venue surged. At the moment of that strike, South Africa were 58 for 1 in the seventh over. It was the crucial pause India needed.
First ball of his spell, Varun Chakravarthy took a wicket. The powerplay momentum swung toward India.
Scorecard snapshot
Here is the on-ground picture as it stands, with the innings in motion:
- Toss, India chose to field
- South Africa 58 for 1 in the seventh over when Chakravarthy struck
- Quinton de Kock aggressive in the powerplay
- Chakravarthy 1 wicket from his first ball
This is a live game. The numbers will move. The tone has already changed.
The battle inside the powerplay
De Kock’s intent was clear from ball one. Short or full, he backed fast hands and early pick-up. India held their nerve. They kept third man up at times, challenged the cut, and teased the slog sweep. The switch to spin arrived right on cue. Chakravarthy’s first-ball wicket did more than remove a batter. It made South Africa reset their tempo.
This is the exact matchup India wanted to test. Can South Africa, fresh from a tough T20 loss in Cuttack, hold shape after a blast-off from de Kock, or do they press too hard into India’s spin web? For now, the contest feels even. One big over either way will tilt it.
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Series stakes and form check
India lead this five-match T20I series 1–0 after a 101-run hammering in the opener. That night, India’s bowlers were ruthless and South Africa folded for 74. That result hangs over tonight. The Proteas need early runs and belief. De Kock has provided both.
This tour has zipped between extremes. South Africa owned the Tests, 2–0, with Marco Jansen towering in Guwahati. India then answered in the ODIs, 2–1, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli delivering statement knocks. Now the shortest format is the decider of mood. Win tonight and India seize total control. Win tonight and South Africa discover a voice in the format that still matters most to their white-ball identity.
Tactics to watch
India will keep stacking overs from spin around the middle. Chakravarthy and his changes of pace are central. Jasprit Bumrah’s return at the death shapes the finish. For South Africa, Aiden Markram’s role is vital. He must link de Kock’s burst with a back-10 launch. Heinrich Klaasen’s range against pace and spin is their endgame card.
The middle overs will decide the chase target. Watch how often India deny singles and force risky swings.
What this venue gives the game
New Chandigarh’s international ground is built for nights like this. The square is lively, the outfield quick, and the stands close. It rewards proper timing and brave lengths. Short balls climb enough to keep batters honest. Good yorkers still count. India’s decision to chase fits the setting and their batting rhythm.
Why this moment matters
Chakravarthy’s first-ball strike was not just a wicket. It was a message about control. India believe they can squeeze, then sprint. South Africa believe they can break the squeeze with power and smart angles. That single ball brought the chessboard into focus, piece by piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who won the toss?
A: India won the toss and chose to field.
Q: What is the live score situation?
A: South Africa were 58 for 1 in the seventh over when Varun Chakravarthy took a wicket with his first ball.
Q: Who started fast for South Africa?
A: Quinton de Kock attacked from the start, finding early boundaries and setting the tone.
Q: What is the series score?
A: India lead the T20I series 1–0 after a 101-run win in the first match.
Q: What should decide the match from here?
A: The middle overs. If India choke the rate with spin, they control the chase. If South Africa keep options open, a big finish is on.
Conclusion
This second T20I has the spark you feel in your chest. De Kock lit it. Chakravarthy seized it. The scorecard tells a tight story, with one breakthrough tilting the balance. If India hold the middle, they will fancy a clean chase. If South Africa ride their hitters through the gears, this new stadium could witness a thriller. I am staying with it, ball by ball, as the night unfolds.
