NEW DELHI: In-form Ishan Kishan’s whirlwind half-century solidified his spot in India’s top order as the defending champions beat South Africa by 30 runs in their only T20 World Cup warm-up match on Wednesday.

Ishan went hammer and tongs, hitting seven sixes and two fours, as his 20-ball 53 highlighted another dominant display from the Indian batters, who posted a massive 241 for five on a placid DY Patil Stadium wicket.

The T20 World Cup holders then rotated nine bowling options, including three overs from Abhishek Sharma (2/32), to restrict South Africa to 210/7.

However, frontline pacer Harshit Rana (0/16) left the field after bowling just one over, in which he twice pulled out of his run-up, and did not return to bowl again.

South Africa’s Experimentation Fails

South Africa tried a surprise opening pair with George Linde (0) and Aiden Markram (38 retired out), which backfired as Linde fell for a four-ball duck to Arshdeep Singh (1/29).

Ryan Rickelton struck 44 off 21 balls with three sixes and four boundaries, while Jason Smith contributed 35 off 23 balls with four fours and a six. Dewald Brevis (2) fell cheaply, and Tristan Stubbs smashed four sixes in an unbeaten 45 off 21 balls.

India pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah did not feature in the match.

Earlier, Ishan had displayed his full range of strokes, including powerful flicks over the on-side ropes, making the only half-century of the game.

Key Performances Ahead of T20 World Cup Opener

Ishan, who scored 103 in the final T20 against New Zealand last week, came out firing to put on an 80-run partnership with Abhishek Sharma (24 off 17 balls, retired out) inside the powerplay.

With Sanju Samson struggling for form, Ishan is expected to open alongside Abhishek in India’s tournament opener against the USA at Wankhede on February 7.

Ishan walked off immediately after reaching his fifty, as India maximised the final practice opportunity before the USA clash. On one explosive over, he scored 29 runs off Anrich Nortje, hitting four sixes and a four. He even managed a six while attempting to evade a bouncer, with the ball glancing off his blade over fine leg.

While Ishan was in top gear, Abhishek showed flashes of his skill, hitting three fours and a six. Tilak Varma, back to full fitness after an injury lay-off, raced to 45 off 19 balls with three sixes and as many fours before being dismissed by Marco Jansen.

India skipper Suryakumar Yadav (30 off 16 balls; 2 fours, 2 sixes) tried to make the most of his time at the crease, though his leg-side flicks were not always effective. He also survived a reprieve on 18.

Vice-captain Axar Patel contributed 35 off 23 balls, while Hardik Pandya provided late fireworks with 30 off 10 balls, including three sixes and two fours, before falling to Corbin Bosch. Rinku Singh made 16 after being struck on the helmet by Bosch.

(With PTI Inputs)