India suffered a significant blow right after the powerplay when Reeza Hendricks fell just when South Africa were beginning to settle their innings. This breakthrough came through a moment of sheer athleticism in depth, which instantly lifted the Ahmedabad crowd. It was the kind of wicket that quickly swung the momentum in India’s favour.
IND vs SA: Shivam Dubey’s one-handed stunner ends Reeza Hendricks’ journey
The dismissal came in the 6.3rd over off Varun Chakravarthy and was as much about fielding excellence as it was clever bowling. Varun slowed down the delivery, and the ball appeared to take a little grip on the surface, which was enough to rush Reeza Hendricks. Trying to chip the ball over midwicket, Hendricks failed to put his full bat on it, misjudging the stroke under pressure. Positioned inside the circle, Shivam Dubey reacted immediately, running quickly to his left and launching himself with perfect balance.
With his body fully extended and the pace sideways, Dubey extended one arm and caught the ball cleanly, completing a spectacular one-handed catch that left both the batsman and the crowd in awe. It was a high-difficulty opportunity that was taken with remarkable composure, showing Dubey’s superior agility and awareness in the field. Hendricks, who had struggled to time the ball cleanly and never looked settled, was out for 13 off 12 balls, ending his temporary stay at the crease. The wicket reduced South Africa to 69/1 and gave India the start they needed at a crucial time, halting the visitors’ early momentum and underlining how fast fielding can decisively impact a T20 contest.
Here is the video:
India tighten grip after Varun Chakravarthy hampers South Africa’s chase
pursuing a challenging 232South Africa came out with intent early in the innings with the help of Quinton de Kock’s explosive 65 to stay ahead at the required rate. The early stand threatened to take the game away from India, until the decisive moment in the 7th over changed the momentum sharply. Varun Chakravarthy’s slider stopped at Reeza Hendricks, leading to an errant chip towards midwicket, where Shivam Dubey, moving quickly to his left, took a brilliant one-handed catch.
That wicket broke the rhythm of South Africa and opened the wickets in the middle overs. Varun then bowled a devastating spell, removing Markram, Ferreira and Linde in quick succession, turning a promising chase into a melee. The return of Jasprit Bumrah further tightened the screws, as he dismissed De Kock and later Marco Jansen with clinical accuracy. Despite brief resistance from Brewis and Miller, regular wickets continued to push South Africa back. At 177/8 in 16.1 overs, the asking rate has risen beyond comfort, and India are now in a strong position with 55 runs required off 23 balls, tilting the contest firmly in their favor as the match heads towards its conclusion.
