IND vs SA | 4th T20 | Fierce India daunt South Africa to level series

In what turned out to be a one-sided affair, the Indian team was at its dominating best, bringing South Africa to their knees to set it up for a decider.

Despite getting hit by a few blows in the first innings, the Hardik Pandya and Dinesh Karthik-forced onslaught gave them a breathing space, propelling the side to a score of 169.

Although pitch behaved on the slower side, it was more of the inability of Proteas' batters to adapt well. Yuzvendra Chahal and Avesh Khan again brought their might to the forefront, wrapping the visitors in their magic and enforcing a mammoth 82-run drubbing.

Opting to bowl first, the Temba Bavuma-led outfit had a convincing powerplay start, with Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen, the two first-timers in the series, pushing Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shreyas Iyer back to the dressing room.

India had their troubles doubled up as soon after. Ishan Kishan and skipper Rishabh Pant also found themselves in misery at the hands of Anrich Nortje and Keshav Maharaj, respectively.

The score read 81/4 in 12.5 overs when Pandya and Karthik joined forces to lead India's resurgence. Although the duo had a cautious approach early on, it did not take them long to fire shots into the night sky.

In no time, the hosts came back into the match, with Pandya smashing Tabraiz Shamsi and then Karthik taking on the charge against the fast bowlers. The partnership lasted for 65 runs before Pandya perished off Ngidi. Karthik also fell in the last over, but not before scoring his maiden T20I half-century.

In 20 overs, India finished with a formidable score of 169.

In reply, South Africa at no part were in the chase. Instead, they suffered a significant blow in the form of their captain Bavuma, who was deemed retired out after copping a blow off Avesh Khan. Their problems increased further with Quinton de Kock's run-out.

Barring Rassie van der Dussen, none of their batters could touch 20 runs. Avesh And Chahal led India's way with the ball.

The Patels, Harshal and Axar also chipped in a wicket each. India's clinical effort left South Africa stranded at 87/10, losing the match by 82 runs.

Brief scores:

India - 169/6 (20)

Dinesh Karthik 55(27), Hardik Pandya 46(31);

Lungi Ngidi 2-20 (3), Anrich Nortje 1-21 (3)

South Africa - 87/10 (16.1)

Rassie van der Dussen 20(20), Quinton de Kock 14(13);

Avesh Khan 4/18 (4), Yuzvendra Chahal 2-21 (4)

India won by 82 runs.