Harshal Patel finished with figures of 4/25, his best in T20 internationals, to help India win the third T20I against South Africa by 48 runs, which kept the five-match series alive. The medium-pacer picked up the wicket of opener Reeza Hendricks inside the powerplay. But it was his second spell that proved to be decisive as he removed the in-form David Miller with a slower delivery to all but guarantee India’s win after a good show by the batters.
He came back to eliminate Kagiso Rabada and Tabraiz Shamsi to record his best-ever figures in the international T20s. Yuzvendra Chahal was the star with the ball as he picked up the crucial wickets of Rassie van der Dussen, Dwaine Pretorius, and the in-form Heinrich Klaasen to break the back of South Africa’s batting. Bhuvneshwar Kumar also bowled well.
India was given a great start by openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ishan Kishan as they both slammed half-centuries.
Twitter praised Harshal Patel’s performance as he wiped out the Proteas with his variety and slower deliveries. Here are some tweets by his supporters:
What a bowling spell by Harshal Patel match changing bowling #harshalpatel #TeamIndia #SAvsIND
— DHRUBOJYOTI ROY (@Dhrubojyoti_19) June 14, 2022
Harshal Patel seems to make batsmen clueless on pitches that are on the slower side. Seems to be a great asset in the death overs! But what if the conditions aren’t favorable? Looking forward to Harshal proving his worth on kitty surfaces as well!!! #harshalpatel #INDvSA #wt20
— Gokullvijay (@Gokullvijay09) June 14, 2022
Harshal Patel’s spell in today’s match – Outstanding Harshal. #harshalpatel #Harshal #INDvsSAT20 pic.twitter.com/hjDLuJ7I05
— Madan Parmar Nimboda (@MParmars) June 14, 2022
No doubt that Harshal Patel and Yuzi are the reason for India that we are still a living in this series???? pic.twitter.com/RiOiZrn0Io
— ???????????????????????????? (@albaatrross) June 14, 2022
Comeback???? @BCCI 1-2. Let’s do it.
Harshal Patel, you deserve that seat on a flight to Australia (not as a sub or net bowler). #INDvSA
— Shivam. (@ShivammmD) June 14, 2022
