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Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadavs struggles continued as India’s batters faltered on a good batting pitch leading to a 51-run defeat against South Africa in the second T20I on Thursday. Quinton de Kock starred with an effortless 90 off 46 balls taking South Africa to a challenging 213/4 after India chose to field first. India were expected to chase the total but lost three key wickets early in the powerplay Abhishek Sharma (17) Gill (0) and Suryakumar Yadav (5) putting them under immediate pressure. India eventually managed only 162 all out in 19.1 overs with Tilak Varma (62 off 34) the lone bright spot. The five-match series is now tied 1-1 with the third match scheduled in Dharamsala on December 14. The home crowd had hoped for a strong performance from Gill and Abhishek Sharma but both failed to deliver. Gill facing his first ball was beaten by a seaming delivery from Lungi Ngidi and edged it to the slip cordon. Abhishek Sharma was caught behind off Marco Jansen in the next over and Suryakumar Yadav also fell cheaply to a faint edge from Jansen. Axar Patel (21 off 21) was caught at cover by Reeza Hendricks. Tilak Varma batted aggressively but without strong partnerships and with the required run rate climbing India could not recover. Earlier de Kock entertained the crowd with his attacking strokeplay. Known for his power and timing he smashed seven sixes mostly over deep square leg. Having recently reversed his ODI retirement and uncertain about his T20 future after the last World Cup de Kock returned with renewed purpose and top form. His innings coming just before the mini-auction is likely to attract interest from franchises. Arshdeep Singh who had dismissed de Kock in the series opener struggled this time. De Kock began by hitting a six off a pick-up shot from Arshdeep followed by a massive pull over deep mid-wicket. Jasprit Bumrah also had a tough over conceding 16 runs after Reeza Hendricks hit him for six. Varun Chakravarthy provided a brief breakthrough dismissing Reeza but de Kock kept up the pressure taking South Africa to 53/1 in the powerplay. Arshdeep returned in the 11th over but lost control under pressure giving away seven wides in an 18-run over. De Kock looked set to score a century for the second time in his T20 career but was run out in a strange mix-up by wicket-keeper Jitesh Sharma. Even after de Kock’s dismissal Donovan Ferreira (30* off 16) and David Miller (20* off 12) continued the assault in the death overs. Jasprit Bumrah also had an off day giving away 18 runs in the final over after being hit for two massive sixes by Ferreira. India conceded 123 runs in the last 10 overs.