as it happened , Achievement:
The 37-year-old Karthik, who played the team’s first T20 International against the same opponents in 2006, fired a late 27-ball 55 as India posted 169-6 in their 20 overs.
(ANI photo)
South Africa, who won the opening two matches of the series, made a terrific start to their chase when captain and opener Temba Bavuma retired hurt after sustaining injuries to his arm and body.
Chief batsman Quinton de Kock, who returned to the team after suffering an injury in the last two matches, walked out soon after being run out – leaving South Africa to climb a mountain.
Clinical victory for #TeamIndia in Rajkot! The unit led by @RishabhPant17 leveled South Africa by 82 runs… https://t.co/cbKVyK5XPw
— BCCI (@BCCI) 1655485422000
The touring team could manage only 87 for nine in 16.5 overs and Bavuma did not return to bat.
The team will travel to Bengaluru for the deciding fifth T20I on Sunday.
India fast bowler Avesh Khan Was most successful with the ball for the hosts, making full use of the offer to bounce off the pitch to take 4-18.
(AFP photo)
South Africa’s fast bowling attack first returned India with early wickets after coming to bat.
Playing the series without many frontline players including regular skipper Rohit Sharma and batsmen Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, the hosts were tied on aggregate in their crucial match.
India were reduced to 81-4 in the 13th over of the stand-in skipper Rishabh PantThose who played poor series with the bat got out for 17 runs and were playing bad shots.
Karthik and Hardik Pandya Together and the right-arm pair managed to revive the Indian innings with a quick partnership of 65.
(ANI photo)
Karthik hit nine fours and two sixes in his captivating innings, leaving the crowd on their feet.
Pandya provided capable support with his 31-ball 46 as the hosts conceded 73 runs in the last five overs.