Dinesh Karthik made his own India Coming back with a scintillating half-century and even more special, that too in a do or die game on Friday night. Batting against South Africa in the fourth T20I at Rajkot, the veteran wicket-keeper batsman smashed 55 runs in 27 balls with the help of 9 fours and 2 maximums. This was his first T20I fifty since his debut in the format under Virender Sehwag in 2006.
Karthik, along with Hardik Pandya, accelerated the Indian innings after the top-order collapsed within 10 overs. The duo deepened the game by sharing 63 runs for the fifth wicket. He 20. Scored his half-century by hitting maximum six on the first ball ofth above. However, he could not play till the last ball as he fell victim to Dwayne Pretorius just after reaching the milestone. India scored 169 for 6 on the basis of the innings of Pandya and Karthik.
Former India pacer Ashish Nehra has lauded Karthik for his scintillating innings, saying it is never easy for senior players to make a comeback like this.
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Nehra said that his former teammate proved that he is definitely a dependable batsman in this format.
“It is never easy for a senior player to make a comeback like this. He started the series well but was looking for a big innings. While he was scoring impressive runs, it was nice to see him bat at No.6 and score a half-century today. You expect it from an experienced player,” Nehra told Cricbuzz.
“He was selected as a finisher, but he also knows how to stabilize the ship when needed. The team management will be very happy with his performance.”
Chasing a target of 170, the visiting team was restricted to 87/9, with captain Temba Bavuma retired hurt. After all, it was the shortest T20I appearance for South Africa in the history of the sport.
With India’s bowlers consistently hitting hard lengths, variable bounce to seamers and spinners keeping things tight when turn signaled, it was difficult for South Africa to chase down 170. Fast bowler Avesh Khan registered career-best figures of 4 for 18 in 4 overs. Yuzvendra Chahal took 2 wickets to help India win the series by 82 runs.
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