South Africa defeated India by five wickets in the second T20 International at St George’s Park in Gqeberha.

With three balls left in their 20 overs, rain ended India’s innings at 180 for seven after they were put to bat.

Following a nearly hour-long delay, South Africa was scheduled to score 152 runs in 15 overs.

With seven balls remaining, South Africa won behind opening batsman Reeza Hendricks’ hard-hit 49 off 27 balls. They had a 1-0 lead in the three-match series following the postponement of the first game in Durban due to rain.

According to South African captain Aiden Markram, his team was fortunate in the circumstances. Before the game, it rained, and it came back at the end of the Indian innings.

“The second bit of rain helped us. The ball skidded on a bit and also affected the outfield,” said Markram.

Singh was undefeated after scoring a career-high 68 off 39 deliveries, while Indian captain Suryakumar struck out for 56 off 36 balls.

After two overs, Suryakumar went to bat with the score at six for two. Shubman Gill and Yashavi Jaiswal, the openers, were both removed without adding a run.

The captain and Tilak Varma (29) went on the attack against some inconsistent bowling despite the precarious situation. 49 more were added off 25 balls.

Singh and Suryakumar then scored 70 runs off of 49 balls.

“That’s the brand of cricket we want to play, whatever the situation,” said Suryakumar.

Player of the match Tabraiz Shamsi bowled his left-arm wrist spin in three spells to take one for eighteen, easily the most economical figures of the match, according to Markram, who said he had to be strategic with how he handled the bowlers due to the Indian assault.

“Shammy bowled incredibly well,” said Markham.

Gerald Coetzee claimed three wickets at a cost of 32, including two wickets with the final two balls of the Indian innings.

The players were taken off the pitch by the umpires as Mohammed Siraj was making his way outside to confront the hat-trick delivery.