LIVE | SA: 125-2 (12.3 overs) | IND vs SA 2nd T20I Score and Updates: Varun Chakaravarthy strikes again – Aiden Markram OUT

Arshdeep Singh’s over turns into a nightmare as de Kock dominates, hitting two huge sixes and rotating the strike with singles and doubles. The pacer loses control, conceding seven wides in the over, allowing South Africa to reach the 100-run mark. De Kock now equals the record for most 50-plus scores against India in T20Is, leaving India under early pressure.

Hardik Pandya’s over proves expensive as de Kock continues his brilliant form, smashing a four to bring up his 17th T20I fifty. Markram contributes with smart singles and a couple, while a wide adds to the tally. South Africa keeps the momentum going, with de Kock in sublime touch and looking set for a big score.

Hardik Pandya’s over proves tricky but costly. De Kock punishes the width with a four and takes a couple of runs with a flick to deep mid-wicket. Markram nudges a single off a length delivery, while a few dot balls and a wide keep Pandya in the game. South Africa continues to build momentum with smart, aggressive batting from both openers.

Varun Chakaravarthy strikes early for India, dismissing Reeza Hendricks bowled for 8 with a clever carrom ball. Despite the breakthrough, de Kock remains at the crease, keeping South Africa’s innings anchored. The new batter Aiden Markram takes guard, and the over yields a few singles, including a dropped chance, but India gets the crucial first wicket.

Arshdeep Singh’s over was a mix of pressure and punishment. De Kock took him on with a four and a massive 81m six, showcasing his authority with the pull shot. Hendricks managed a single off a brilliant yorker, while the rest were dots. South Africa keep the scoreboard moving, thanks largely to de Kock’s aggression.

Arshdeep Singh opened the over tightly against de Kock, who began cautiously before unleashing a trademark flick for a six over deep square leg. He also picked up a couple with a lofted stroke over covers, but India missed a run-out chance as Tilak failed to hit the stumps with Reeza well short. Overall, de Kock survived some probing deliveries while managing 8 runs off the over.

Aiden Markram: We would have done the same. Looks a pretty good wicket. We would have bowled first. Need to put runs on the board and put them under pressure. Always lessons to take. Need to dive deep into things. You are going to have nights like that. I am not too sure. We will get feedback after the first few overs. We want to put up a good total. We have three changes. Reeza, Linde and Baartman come in.

Suryakumar Yadav: We will bowl first. There's a bit of dew, so bowling first is a good option. This is a wonderful ground. First men's game here, so excited for it. It's really important for the boys to under the responsibility. 175 on that wicket was over par. It was a lovely effort from our bowlers. The balance he provides is amazing. The way he keeps his calm, his overs are also very important for the side. We go with the same team.

Hardik Pandya is just one wicket away from joining an elite list, becoming only the third Indian men's bowler to reach 100 T20I wickets, after Arshdeep Singh (107) and Jasprit Bumrah (101).

If he manages one more dismissal, Pandya will also become the first Indian seamer to record the double of 1000+ runs and 100+ wickets in Men's T20Is. So far, only three spin-bowling all-rounders Shakib Al Hasan, Mohammad Nabi, and Sikandar Raza have achieved this rare milestone.

The IND vs SA 2nd T20 live toss will take place at 6:30 pm IST.

The live coverage between India and South Africa can be watched on Star Sports Network (TV) and Hotstar (OTT).

India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (w), Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh

South Africa:Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram (c), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Anrich Nortje, Kwena Maphaka