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India played South Africa in their third match at the T2 0 World Cup 2022. The Men in Blue lost the game as South Africa pacers, especially Lungi Ngidi, wreaked havoc. The right-arm pacer got rid of India’s top three in his first two overs. Ngidi also dismissed Hardik Pandya to ensure India do not form a partnership. But Suryakumar Yadav was still there at the crease.
The batter, who is being touted as the best in the shortest format at the moment, proved his mettle once again as he played a counterattacking knock on the pacy Perth wicket. While his teammates struggle to stand against South African bowlers, Yadav hit them for boundaries and sixes. He reached his half-century in 30 balls when batting seemed difficult.
The batter eventually finished with 68 runs against his name which he scored from 40 balls. Had it not been for Yadav’s innings, India might have got bowled out under 100 runs. With SKY playing a gem of a knock, the cricketing fraternity was all praise for the batter. Yadav also received high praise from across the border as former Pakistan captain, Misbah Ul Haq called him the best middle-order batsman.
“He is the best middle-order batsman in T20 cricket. At 170 strike rate in this match situation, against this bowling, on this pitch, it’s amazing. I haven’t seen an innings like that. To play a dominating innings like that on this pitch …it seemed as if he knew where the ball would land and where he can hit it.” Misbah told A Sports.
While Misbah reserved high praise for Surya, Shoaib Malik explained the reason behind the batter’s success in the shortest format of the game.
“The reason for his success and consistency is that he doesn’t change his game. Even when he gets out in 2 innings, the way of his playing is the same. Yes, he assesses the conditions and the bowlers well and decides what shots can work. He also plays with the minds of the bowlers. He knows what the bowler will bowl: this one will be outside off this one will be short or at me."
"I would give the example of AB de Villiers here. He would know ok the bowler has bowled a yorker now, he will bowl a slow bouncer here or outside off stump,” Malik further added.
