The 37-year-old Karthik, who played in the team’s first T20 International against the same opponents in 2006, hit 55 runs in 27 deliveries to deliver the explosives as India clocked 169-6 in -Overs 20 of them.South Africa, who won the first two games of the series, got off to a bad start when captain and opener Temba Bavuma was left injured after being hit by a hand and body.Quinton de Kock, who hit the high point, returned to the team after missing the last two games due to injury, left shortly after his departure – leaving South Africa a very steep climb.The team managed to reach only 87 of nine of the 16.5 overs with Bavuma not returning to strike.
The teams will also head to Bangalore where they will face the fifth T20 on Sunday.India’s fastest bowler Avesh Khan is the most successful with the ball at home, making full use of the existing bounce on the pitch to take 4-18.South Africa’s fast bowling attack earlier brought India back with their first wickets after they were beaten.Athletes, who play the series with the exception of a few key players including regular captain Rohit Sharma and batsmen ViratKohli and KL Rahul, seem to be aiming for less than the number in their game to win.India were reduced to 81-4 in the 13th over when thirsty captain Rishabh Pant, who played a tough game in the knockout, came out 17 playing bad football.
Combined Karthik and Hardik Pandya and the right-handers were able to revive the Indian innings with a combined 65 speed fire.Karthik hit nine fours and two sixs in his delightful knockout, gathering the crowd on foot.Pandya provided strong support by hitting 46 runs off 31 balls as the home team scored 73 runs in the last five overs.
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