5th T20I, Bengaluru, June 19, 2022, 07:00 PM
India
28/2(3.3ov)
South Africa
Match Abandoned
Commentry
Right then, the five-match T20I series between India and South Africa comes to an end and the trophy will be shared. Not much to talk about the deciding game as almost all of it was ruined by rain. Talking about the series though, South Africa started on a roll winning the first two games and the standout performers for them were David Miller, Rassie van der Dussen and Heinrich Klaasen. India then made a roaring comeback, winning the next couple of games with ease and Bhuvneshwar Kumar was someone who remained consistent throughout for the hosts. Apart from him, the likes of Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan, Dinesh Karthik, Yuzvendra Chahal and Avesh Khan all provided at least one strong performance. Both teams will now look forward to their next series with the T20 World Cup looming large on the horizon. India next travel to the United Kingdom to play Ireland in a couple of T20Is starting 26th June. South Africa, on the other hand, have a full-fledged tour of England coming up in mid-July. That is it from our coverage of this series but there's a lot of cricketing action going on across the globe. Until next time then. Cheers!
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been adjudged as the PLAYER OF THE SERIES!
UPDATE - 9.44 pm IST (4.14 pm GMT) - The news from the ground is that the MATCH HAS BEEN ABANDONED DUE TO RAIN!!! A bit of an anti-climatic end to a really well-contested series that now ends in a 2-2 draw. Also, South Africa remain unbeaten in a white-ball series on Indian soil since 2011.
UPDATE - 9.28 pm IST (3.58 pm GMT) - The umpires are out in the middle to have a look at the conditions and there's still a light drizzle. They mention that the game cannot start with an ongoing drizzle and it will take about half an hour to get the outfield ready for play. The cut-off time for play to start is 10.02 pm IST (4.32 pm GMT). Stay tuned for an official word from the ground.
While the wait for the rain to stop continues, you can switch tabs to keep an eye on a couple of other international games going on. In the third ODI between Sri Lanka and Australia, Sri Lanka are currently cruising along in their quest to chase down 292 runs. Also, in the second ODI between Netherlands and England, England seem to be on course for another straightforward victory.
UPDATE 9 pm IST (3.30 pm GMT) - It continues to pour in Bengaluru. The covers are still out there. It's not a great sight for any cricket fans and the waiting game continues. The cut-off time for a 5-overs game is 10.12 pm IST (4.42 pm GMT).
UPDATE 2027 IST (1457 GMT) - The scenes from the ground depict that the rain is persistent. Overs are being lost every minute and we might have a highly-reduced game, if at all. Fingers crossed the rain will stop soon.
UPDATE 2007 IST (1437 GMT) - Well, the umpires don't continue for long. The covers are called onto the field as the players walk out off. Hopefully, it is just a passing shower and doesn't take long to get back in action. Stay tuned for further updates...
In this series, 53.8 percent of Lungi Ngidi’s deliveries have been off-cutters (14 out of 26 balls). In these 14 balls, he has three wickets at an average of 3.7 and economy of 4.7.
In over# 4
1
0W
2
Lungi Ngidi 6/2(1.3)
3.3
1
Off the mark straightaway. Length, around leg, Rishabh Pant tucks it away in front of square on the leg side for one. Oh, no! The drizzle has become stronger and the players might just come off here.
Who will walk out now? It is Rishabh Pant that comes in at number 4. Along with him, the rain gods make a visit yet again, although the umpires decide to continues with the game.
3.2
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Lungi Ngidi with the double strike and he is all pumped up. This is pitched up on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad tries to take it on but goes a bit too hard at it. The ball goes off the toe end of the bat and is lofted just over mid on. Dwaine Pretorius takes a few steps backwards and pouches it safely. Two down now India and the scoring rate starting to come down as well. With that wicket, the drizzle is back too.
3.1
2
In the air...but clears the infield. Length ball, outside off. Ruturaj Gaikwad steps out and carves it over the man at backward point for a couple of runs.
In over# 3
0
1
4
0
0
0
Kagiso Rabada 5/0(1)
2.6
.
Pitches it up this time, around off. Shreyas Iyer drives it off the front foot but straight towards mid off.
2.5
1
Around the top of off, Gaikwad hangs back and steers it behind point for a single.
2.4
4
FOUR! Just short of a length, on middle. Gaikwad picks up the length early and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.
2.3
.
Oh, how close was that? Top delivery from Kagiso Rabada, on a perfect length, on off and just nipping back in off the surface. Gaikwad looks to loft it over mid on from deep inside the crease but gets beaten on the inside edge as the ball goes a couple of inches over the middle stump.
2.2
.
On a good length, over middle this time. Ruturaj Gaikwad stays inside the crease and works it towards square leg.