Raina shines as India claim T20I series against SA

Suresh Raina scored a quick-fire 43 and grabbed the key wicket of David Miller as India defeated host South Africa by seven runs to claim a 2-1 victory in their T20I series at Newlands Saturday. Sent in to bat, India, without injured captain Virat Kohli, posted 172 for seven in their 20 overs before restricting South Africa to 165 for six. Raina’s runs came from just 27 balls as he caressed five fours and a six, putting on 65 for the second wicket with opener Shikhar Dhawan (47 from 40 balls). Seamer Junior Dala (3-35) was the pick of the home bowlers as he posted career-best figure. South Africa made a sluggish start to their reply and were always behind the required run-rate.

India in blue were excellent and the series wins will be considered landmarks. Still believe it was the best opportunity to beat South Africa away. But overall, the tour was a success for Indian cricket.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 24, 2018

Explosive Miller (24 from 23 balls) was elevated to open the batting, but was bogged down by the line of the Indian bowlers and fell to Raina (1-27 in three overs) as he tried to up the tempo. Only captain JP Duminy (55 from 41 balls) and debutant Christiaan Jonker (49 from 24 balls) were able to muster innings of substance. South Africa required 19 off the final over bowled by the excellent Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2-24), but were restricted to just a single boundary to fall short of their target. India’s two-month tour of South Africa is now at an end. The home side won the Test series 2-1, but were thumped 5-1 in the ODIs. South Africa start a four-Test series at home to Australia Thursday.

India have been a terrific on this tour, played wonderful cricket and have won over a lot of South Africans with the way they have played the game as well. Kudos to @imVkohli and his team #SAvsIND

— Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) February 24, 2018

BRIEF SCORESouth Africa 165/6 (Duminy 55, Jonker 49) lost to India 172/7 (Dhawan 47, Dala 3/35) by seven runs