South Africa took the final T20I with a 49-run victory, but India still won the overall three-game series 2-1. Attempting to chase down 228, India was bowled out for 178. It was a comprehensive team effort from the Proteas, who outperformed the hosts in every aspect of the game. India's batters kept the scoring rate up, but a lack of stability in the middle order prevented a successful chase.
Opening the innings, Quinton de Kock put South Africa in a strong position. The captain, Temba Bavuma, had another poor outing, exiting for only 3. However, a formidable partnership between de Kock and Rilee Rossouw brought 90 runs to the second wicket. The Indian bowlers lacked precision in their line and length, which cost them dearly in terms of runs conceded.
De Kock was eventually dismissed for 68 thanks to a sharp piece of fielding by Shreyas Iyer. Rilee Rossouw, however, was in peak form, smashing a century in just 48 deliveries, including eight sixes and seven fours. A late cameo of 19 runs from David Miller helped South Africa reach a formidable 227/3 by the end of their 20 overs.
India's pursuit of the target began poorly, as Rohit Sharma (0) and Shreyas Iyer (1) were dismissed almost immediately. While Rishabh Pant (27) and Dinesh Karthik (46) scored at a decent pace, both threw their wickets away with reckless shots. South Africa's bowlers kept the pressure high and took wickets consistently to break India's momentum. Deepak Chahar attempted a late rescue with a quick-fire 31, but it wasn't enough. The two teams will now face off in the opening ODI at Ekana Sports City tomorrow.