In the opening T20I against South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav made a spirited contribution to keep his team’s momentum going. Walking in early at No.3 after Abhishek Sharma’s dismissal, Suryakumar displayed his intent immediately, playing with aggression and purpose.
His calculated shot selection and powerful strokes energized India’s innings, setting the stage for an aggressive start alongside Sanju Samson, who took on the South African bowlers with fierce resolve.
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Suryakumar’s innings demonstrated his signature finesse, as he played several commanding shots across the field. While Samson continued to dominate with blistering sixes and fours, Suryakumar played a steady yet impactful role, building an essential partnership that kept India’s innings on track.
However, his knock came to an end in a somewhat unusual over bowled by Patrick Kruger, who struggled with control throughout his spell. In what turned out to be the fifth-longest over in T20I history, Kruger bowled 11 balls due to multiple no-balls and extras, conceding five runs initially, followed by a series of erratic deliveries.
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Although Suryakumar capitalized on some free-hit opportunities, he couldn’t convert these chances fully. Attempting to loft Kruger’s final delivery out of the ground, he misjudged a slower knuckleball. His timing was slightly off, resulting in a mishit caught by Simelane at deep square leg in the ninth over.
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Kruger’s extended 11-ball over, highlighted by his battle for consistency, ended on a high note with Suryakumar’s dismissal, despite conceding several extras. This unusual over now sits among the longest overs in T20I cricket, joining instances such as Luwsanzundui Erdenebulgan’s 14-ball over for Mongolia against Japan in May 2024, and Thinley Jamtsho’s 14-ball over for Bhutan against Maldives in 2019.
Suryakumar’s efforts, while short-lived, provided valuable runs, leaving fans with a mix of excitement and anticipation for the rest of the series.
