"Now no one can stop Sanju Samson from replacing Shubman Gill" - Top 10 funny memes as India reach 231/5 in 5th T20I vs South Africa 2025

Team India displayed a dominant batting performance in the fifth T20I against South Africa, scoring 231/5 in the first innings on Friday, December 19, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. South Africa captain Aiden Markram won the toss and opted to bowl first in the final match of the series.

Sanju Samson (37) and Abhishek Sharma (34) gave a brisk start to the hosts with a 63-run partnership in 5.3 overs, setting a decent platform. Corbin Bosch broke the threatening stand by dismissing Sharma in the final over of the powerplay.

Tilak Varma (73) came in next and utilized the platform to help his side reach a massive first innings total by scoring an enterprising half-century. Hardik Pandya stole the show in the second half of the innings with a blazing knock of 63 (25), studded with five sixes and as many fours. He notched up a 16-ball half-century to become the second fastest Indian to the milestone in T20Is.

Fans enjoyed the action-packed first innings of the fifth T20I and expressed their reactions by sharing memes on social media platforms. Here are some of the best memes:

"Now no one can stop Sanju Samson from replacing Shubman Gill," a fan wrote on X.

---

Jasprit Bumrah and Co restrict South Africa to 201 and help India win the T20I series by a 3-1 margin

In a steep chase of 232, Quinton de Kock hit a blazing half-century to give South Africa a good start. Dewald Brevis supported him in the top order with a useful contribution of 31 (17). Jasprit Bumrah gave India a massive breakthrough by dismissing De Kock in the 11th over to halt South Africa's momentum. Hardik Pandya then sent Brevis back to the pavilion in the following over to reduce the visitors to 122/3.

Things went downhill for South Africa from there, as none of the batters could step up even after getting starts. As a result, the Proteas could only get to 201/8 in 20 overs and lost the match by 30 runs. Varun Chakaravarthy picked up four wickets but gave away 53 runs in his fours. Jasprit Bumrah bowled a phenomenal spell of 4-0-17-2.

Reflecting on the win at the post-match presentation, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav said:

"The brand of cricket we wanted to play from the start, we did the same. We wanted to express ourselves in all departments and the result is right in front of us. This is something which was missing from the last few series. This is how we ended the IPL and this is how we wanted to bat. We told the guys that we'll keep going and see what we get out of the wicket."

He added:

"We were under the pump and challenged but we came back well. It was a good, challenging series. We did everything the hat we could. The boys chipped in - a little bit of trouble here and there and they put their hand up."

Hardik Pandya was adjudged Player of the Match for his brilliant all-round performance in the contest.

Follow IPL Auction 2025 Live Updates, News & Biddings at Sportskeeda. Get the fastest updates on Mega-Auction and cricket news

Edited by Balakrishna