Markram, Jansen strike as India pegged back to 31/3 in Powerplay

In almost a replay of the South African innings, India faltered in the first 6 overs, losing three key wickets. They ended up at 31, losing three wickets.

India had a horrible start after opener Ishan Kishen skied a fullish delivery from South African captain Aiden Markram in the fourth ball of the innings.

Tilak Verma followed him back to the hut, nicking a fullish delivery from Marco Jansen. His attempt to charge at the bowler only resulted in a tame finish.

Abhishek Sharma, who never looked in control, managed to end his duck sequence, but failed again as he skied a slower ball from Jansen.

Earlier, a counterpunching innings from David Miller and Dewald Brevis helped South Africa post 187 for 7.

Jasprit Bumrah was brilliant early on as India took the advantage in the powerplay. After being reduced to 20 for 3 inside four overs, the Proteas mounted a stunning recovery through Miller (63 from 35 balls; 7x4, 3x6) and Brevis (45 from 29; 3x4, 3x6) whose 97-run fourth-wicket stand came off just 51 balls.

Miller and Dewald Brevis were especially hard on Varun Chakravarthy. Shivam Dube, who finally got Brevis while he miscued a shot, was also found hit hard as he was tonked for 32 runs in two overs.  Between overs 7 and 14, South Africa scored 93 runs for the loss of one wicket.

At 144 for 4 after 15 overs, South Africa were going on well over nine runs per over, eyeing a 200-plus total.

But Bumrah (3/15) and Arshdeep Singh (2/28) wrested control at the back end as South Africa lost three wickets in the last four overs.

It would have been worse, but Tristan Stubbs (44 not out; 24 balls) ended it superbly with back-to-back sixes off Hardik Pandya in the final over.

India got the breakthrough when Shivam Dube, who had earlier been taken apart, induced a mistimed pull from Brevis off a back-of-a-length delivery.

Brevis failed to get the timing right on his stroke to see his 29-ball knock end.

Having leaked 39 runs from his first three overs, Varun Chakravarthy finally had the last laugh dismissing Miller in his final over.
(With PTI input)