notify Ishan Kishan India continued their hot half-century run with a 30-run victory over South Africa in the only warm-up match ahead of the T20 World Cup at the DY Patil Stadium on Wednesday. The wicketkeeper-batsman smashed 53 off just 20 balls, hitting 7 sixes and 2 boundaries to cement his place at the top of the list with Abhishek Sharma. The Indian batsmen posted a daunting total of 241 for 5 on a flat track, with Ishan and Abhishek putting up an explosive 80-run partnership in the powerplay. Abhishek scored 24 off 17 balls before retiring, leaving Ishan to continue his attack and retire unbeaten after turning 50, ensuring the duo got a last-ditch knock before India’s opener against the United States on February 7.
India rotated their bowling arsenal, using nine different bowlers, including Abhishek Sharma, who took 2/32 in three overs to restrict the Proteas to 210/7. However, Harshit Rana was forced to leave after just one over after feeling unwell during his run-up. South Africa’s experimental opening pair of George Linde (0) and Aiden Markram (retired on 38) failed to make an impact, with Linde being dismissed for a duck by Ardeep Singh. Ryan Rickelton top-scored for the visitors with 44 off 21 balls and Jason Smith scored 35 off 23 balls. Dewald Brevis had a poor performance but Tristan Stubbs’ 21-ball 45 not out, which included four sixes, provided resistance for the visitors. Other standout performances for India included Tilak Varma, who made a quick 45 off 19 balls before being bowled by Marco Jansen. Suryakumar Yadavhe hit 30 off 16 balls. Vice-captain Axar Patel scored 35 off 23 balls while Hardik Pandya Finished with 30 runs in just 10 deliveries. Rinku Singh contributed 16 points before being hit on the helmet. India’s batting dominance coupled with disciplined bowling ensured a comfortable 30-run victory in the final warm-up session before the match. Brief results: India posted 240/5 in 20 overs (Ishan Kishan 53, Tilak Varma 45; Marco Jansen 1/18), beating South Africa (Ryan Rickelton 44, Tristan Stubbs 45*; Abhishek Sharma 2/32) by 30 runs at 210/7 in 20 overs.
