The cricketing world turned its eyes to Mullanpur for the highly anticipated India vs South Africa 2nd T20I Live encounter on December 11, 2025. Following a dominant Indian victory in the series opener, the Proteas were eager to bounce back, setting the stage for an electrifying contest. Fans were glued, witnessing every thrilling moment unfold from the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium.
Toss & Strategic Decisions at Mullanpur
Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav won the toss, choosing to bowl first, likely anticipating evening dew. Team India maintained their winning combination, fielding an unchanged XI with key players like Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Jasprit Bumrah. South Africa, however, made three strategic changes, aiming to bolster their challenge. Openers Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks stepped onto the pitch, ready to launch their innings.
De Kock’s Dominance in South Africa’s Batting Start
South Africa began their innings with aggressive intent, led by Quinton de Kock. The initial three overs saw them accumulate 22 runs, showcasing de Kock’s early rhythm. He quickly asserted dominance, smashing a blistering half-century off just 26 deliveries. Despite losing Reeza Hendricks early for 8 to Varun Chakravarthy, the Proteas ended the powerplay strongly, posting 53 runs. De Kock continued his formidable hitting, guiding South Africa’s score to 90 after 10 overs, having himself crossed the 60-run mark.
India’s Spinners Turn the Tide
Indian spinners soon began to turn the tide. Varun Chakravarthy delivered a critical breakthrough, dismissing Aiden Markram for 29. The most significant moment came when Quinton de Kock, after a magnificent knock of 90, fell agonizingly short of a century. His innings ended via a brilliant stumping by Jitesh Sharma, off Axar Patel, who then swiftly removed Dewald Brevis for 14. These quick wickets provided crucial relief for India, despite Arshdeep Singh’s expensive over, conceding 18 runs including seven wides.
Pitch & Weather Conditions in Mullanpur
Mullanpur’s pitch initially favored batsmen for explosive starts but gradually slowed, aiding spinners as the game progressed. Cool evening temperatures (25-28 degrees Celsius) and anticipated dew likely influenced India’s decision to bowl first. Clear weather, with no rain, ensured uninterrupted India vs South Africa 2nd T20I Live action.
Player Spotlights and Team Dynamics
Individual performances remained a talking point. Shubman Gill, after a modest first T20, was under pressure to deliver. Abhishek Sharma was also expected to showcase his explosive batting. The exclusion of Sanju Samson from the XI continued to fuel fan discussions, highlighting fierce competition for spots.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This blog post provides a match report based on the information available from the game events. Cricket matches are unpredictable, and outcomes can vary. Readers are advised to consult official sources for factual updates and complete match statistics.
Image Credit: News 24
