Dinesh Karthik, don’t spoil us: Twitter erupts as wicketkeeper-batter smashes maiden T20I fifty, India level series

On a comeback trail, seasoned wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik slammed his maiden T20I half-century and powered India to 169, a total that proved to be more than enough for South Africa as India drew level in the series on Friday.

India were asked to bat first for the fourth time in a row but this time India’s top order did not perform. Ishan Kishan got going but Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shreyas Iyer fell in the powerplay. Rishabh Pant failed once again as he chased another wide one from Keshav Maharaj and was caught at point. He was dismissed for a 23-ball 17. The surface on a slower side and it offered some assistance to all the bowlers, but Dinesh Karthik and Hardik Pandya showed the batting side how to find their range on this surface.

After the flurry of wickets, the batters took the time to suss the conditions and after the first 10 overs yielded just 56 runs, the last 10 went for 113. Both Karthik and Pandya took a good measure of the South Africa bowling attack.

Pandya was dismissed in the penultimate over for 46 runs off 31 balls, Karthik ensured India end the innings with momentum on their side. He notched up his maiden fifty in the final over and he got to his landmark in 26 balls.

Chasing this target, South Africa never found any momentum. Captain Temba Bavuma had to retire hurt after sustaining an elbow injury. Quinton de Kock looked in good touch, but he was run out. Dwaine Pretorius never hit his stride, while Henrich Klassen was trapped by Yuzvendra Chahal for just eight runs. Harshal Patel provided the killer blow when he knocked over David Miller in the 11th over. The chase derailed when Miller was sent back as India cruised home to level the series.

Here’s how Twitter reacted after this match:

DK to Hardik right now 😉 #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/Q6C4wdpvRX

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) June 17, 2022

𝐃𝐊 – 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫!#OneFamily #INDvSA @DineshKarthik @BCCI pic.twitter.com/6L0WuTP7AZ

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) June 17, 2022

Fantastic striking from DK and Kungfu Pandya in the last 5 overs.
Bowlers ko kamaal karna padega to defend 169. #INDvSA

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) June 17, 2022

Terrific fightback from team India to level the series. Credit to Rishabh and Rahul Bhai for sticking with the same team throughout despite couple of losses at the start. Avesh repaid the faith and how! Super Sunday ahead! #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/jHCSUsFnNZ

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) June 17, 2022

169 was too bigger score on this pitch from India. Come back and a half from Avesh khan. Kept hitting the hard length which had the most to offer! #INDvSA

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) June 17, 2022

Admire commitment of Dinesh Karthik. A great finisher. His life coach Abhishek Nayar seems to have pushed him hard in the right direction.

— Makarand Waingankar (@wmakarand) June 17, 2022

Dinesh Karthick is making a story of his own. Brilliant batting!

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) June 17, 2022

Dinesh Karthik, don't spoil us. We aren't used to of such recoveries at such stage. #INDvSA

— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) June 17, 2022