Suryakumar Yadav's thunderous 50 sets a new milestone, batter equals Kohli's 13-year-old T20I record

The Indian Cricket Team faced off against South Africa in the 2nd T20I on Tuesday in St George's Oval. South Africa won the toss and decided to bowl, but the unfazed Indian team managed to make 180/7 in 19.3 overs. With the game being affected by the rain in the end of the first innings, South Africa emerged victorious after they made 154/5 in 13.5 overs when the overs were reduced to 15 by the DLS method. The home team won the match by 5 wickets.

3 things you need to know 

• India vs South Africa 1st T20I match was washed out due to rain 
• South Africa won the 2nd T20I match by 5 wickets, 7 balls left (DLS Method)
• South Africa enjoys a 1-0 lead at home 

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Suryakumar Yadav breaks Virat Kohli’s record 

Suryakumar Yadav's stock in T20I cricket continues to rise, with another milestone achieved on Tuesday during the South Africa tour. Suryakumar made history by becoming the fastest Indian to amass 2000 runs in T20Is, riding the momentum of India's T20I series victory over Australia. Surya achieved this incredible record with a single in his 56th T20I inning, falling just 15 runs short of the milestone.

Surya not only equals Virat Kohli in terms of innings, but he also outnumbers the former India captain in terms of matches played. SKY was playing in his 59th T20I for India, whereas Kohli needed one more encounter (60) in Manchester in 2010 to hit the 2K-run record against England.

Suryakumar ascended to the top of the T20I batting rankings in October 2022 and has been there ever since. Surya finished the previous year with 1164 runs in 31 matches and has extended that form into 2023, earning 592 runs from 17 matches at an average of 45.53 and a strike rate of more than 153. A century and four fifties are included.

Surya exhibited outstanding leadership after India was put into bat in the second T20I of the series against South Africa. SKY played a crucial role despite early difficulties with openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill getting dismissed for ducks. With a quick 28-ball fifty, he and Tilak Varma resurrected India's innings.

Surya demonstrated his abilities following Tilak's aggressive 19 runs in Jansen's second over. The T20I team captain maintained his aggressive approach, scoring 15 runs off Gerald Coetzee's opening over with two fours and a significant shot for a six. Suryakumar got his fifty in 11 overs, with three more fours and a six, sending India past the 100-run barrier. His innings were cut short at 56 when he tried to chip Tabraiz Shamsi to long off and went back to the dugout after facing 36 balls.

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What’s next for Team India?

Team India will play its 3rd and final T20I match against South Africa on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at the Wanderers Stadium.