Five best bowling figures by Indian bowlers against South Africa in T20Is

In the past, the shortest format has seen some exciting matches between South Africa and India. Their matches have always been thrilling, whether they are played in South Africa, India, or at a neutral venue.

When South Africa and India have played each other in T20Is, there have been numerous notable bowling performances. Indian bowlers have helped their side take the upper hand in the head-to-head record over the Proteas.

In this article, let’s examine the top five bowling performances by Indian bowlers in T20I cricket matches against South Africa.

5. Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 4/13, Cuttack, 2022

Bhuvneshwar Kumar recorded the second-most economical four-over spell by an Indian bowler against South Africa in the 2022 home series in Cuttack during the second T20I. Unfortunately, it came in a losing cause.

India batted first and scored 148/6. In his four overs, Bhuvneshwar took 4/13 and dealt early blows to South Africa. But Heinrich Klaasen (81 off 46) destroyed the remaining Indian bowlers after his spell ended, bringing South Africa home.

4. RP Singh – 4/13, Durban, 2007

RP Singh’s role in India’s 2007 T20 World Cup triumph is underrated as he was outstanding with the ball throughout the tournament. His best bowling performances of the competition occurred in a crucial match against South Africa in Durban.

India batted first and scored 153/5. According to NRR, South Africa needed 126 runs to advance to the next round, despite having a target of 154. 

However, India won by 37 runs to advance to the semi-finals thanks to an incredible 4/13 from RP Singh. The left-arm seamer's brilliant spell eliminated South Africa from the competition.

3. Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 5/24, Johannesburg, 2018

In T20I cricket, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is the second Indian bowler and the first Indian pacer to take five wickets. He has two fifers under his belt, the first occurring in Johannesburg in 2018 against South Africa.

India scored a massive 203/5 when they batted first, led by Shikhar Dhawan's 72 off 39 balls. In response, South Africa got off to a strong start thanks to Reeza Hendricks (70 off 50), but Bhuvneshwar pulled things back with his 5/24 in four overs.

Bhuvneshwar claimed three wickets in one over while South Africa was at 154/4. India prevailed by a margin of 28 runs. 

2. Varun Chakravarthy – 5/17, Gqeberha, 2024

In a low-scoring match against the Proteas in Gqeberha in 2024, Varun Chakravarthy recorded an incredible 5/17 and claimed his first T20I five-wicket haul.

While batting first, India scored just 124 runs. Chasing 125, South Africa was in a dominant position at 33/1 when Chakravarthy's enigmatic spin bowling stunned them. Among his five wickets were David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Reeza Hendricks, and Aiden Markram.

1. Kuldeep Yadav – 5/17, Johannesburg, 2023

Kuldeep Yadav has registered the best bowling figures by an Indian bowler against South Africa in T20I cricket. During India's 2023 tour of South Africa, Kuldeep returned with outstanding figures of 5/17 in a T20I match in Johannesburg.

With a century from Suryakumar Yadav, India reached 201/7. Kuldeep arrived to bowl in the tenth over of South Africa's innings, finishing the match with 5/17 in just 2.5 overs. India won by 106 runs after South Africa was bowled out for 95.

Cover Credits - BCCI Official