IND vs SA 2022, 3rd T20I | Internet reacts as South Africa’s comedy of errors saves crawling Harshal Patel thrice on one ball

10/04/2022

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Batters sometimes survive a dismissal riding on their luck but getting a life-line thrice on the same ball is quite unusual. Harshal Patel had lady luck on his side in the third T20I as he survived a dismissal thrice due to a comedy of errors from the South African fielders.

After winning the first two T20I games, India’s chances to register a clean sweep seemed to have taken a hit when South Africa had a field day with the bat. Chasing a huge target of 228 on a flat deck, India lost wickets at regular intervals and no Indian was able to replicate Rilee Rossouw’s unbeaten knock of 100 runs from 48 balls. Despite being under pressure, a comical incident during Harshal Patel’s stay at the crease brought some smiles on the faces of Indian fans.

Harshal Patel was facing the fourth ball of the ninth over bowled by Keshav Maharaj. Harshal flicked the ball towards mid-wicket where Dwaine Pretorious dropped a sitter. Harshal left his crease to run but was sent back by Axar Patel. As the RCB man slipped while returning, Quinton de Kock, believing Pretorious had taken the catch, started to rush towards the fielder. The latter realized that he had a shot at sending another batter back to the dressing room and had a shy at stumps. The ball missed the stumps by a bit and even a dive by Harshal had him short of the crease.

In the meantime, the ball made its way to Wayne Parnell, who collected the ball at short third man. Looking up, he saw that Harshal was still on the ground with his bat outstretched and still a good foot short of the crease. With De Kock still out of position, Parnell, however, decided against having a pop at the wickets as Harshal got up and finally made his crease.

Spectators also enjoyed the incident and registered their reactions on social media.

Ever seen this?

pic.twitter.com/5LWKn6huD8
— Richard (@Richard10719932) October 4, 2022

Sad

This Pretorius farmer getting more seam movement than our "experienced" bowlers
— Parshva (@ParshvaOP) October 4, 2022

He is superb!

Dwaine Pretorius bowls some unplayable deliveries today.
— Jaya Suriyan (@JayaSuriyan555) October 4, 2022

Amazing

Lol Pretorius is bowling better than Indian trundlers ? Tall pacers in T20 and ODI cricket are such a menace.

Tall pacers and short wristies/spinners.
— blehh (@sportscull) October 4, 2022

He did show it!

Pretorius show your metal 💛
— Abhi⚒️ (@abhi_backup07) October 4, 2022

Fair Play

Fair play to Dwaine Pretorius, sticking with his best ball after Suryakumar did THAT to him. And a ridiculous catch by Tristan Stubbs, who is ready for a trajectory like that at deep cover?

Indore continues to produce entertaining cricket.#INDvSA🏏🇮🇳🇿🇦
— Nakul Pande (@NakulMPande) October 4, 2022

He is killing it

Pretorius wants to bowl his full quota lol. That's an absolutely dolly to drop
— RForever (@adhi_SRF1995) October 4, 2022

Rare

Pretorius gifting him double life, oh god lol. https://t.co/AOjVrkX2Bk
— Abilash Kumar (@abilashk99) October 4, 2022

fantastic

Pretorius to Suryakumar Yadav, out Caught by Tristan Stubbs!! That's a fantastic catch by Stubbs at deep extra cover. #INDvsSA #SuryakumarYadav
— Virat18_rishabh17 (@AaRoHiPaTe1) October 4, 2022

Chenayin