In an exhilarating third T20I, India clinched an 11-run win over South Africa, achieving an unassailable 2-1 lead in the four-match series. This remarkable victory sets up India with confidence as they approach the final game at Wanderers on Friday.
Batting first, India posted a formidable 219/6, powered by an extraordinary unbeaten century from Tilak Varma. The young star’s masterful 107-run knock was supported by Abhishek Sharma’s brisk 50, giving the Indian innings a crucial boost. Varma’s commanding performance saw him smash seven sixes and eight fours, scoring 107 off just 57 deliveries. This innings marks India’s second-highest total against South Africa in T20Is and showcases Tilak’s growing stature as a match-winner in the format.
Abhishek Sharma, meanwhile, overcame a series of low scores with a fearless display, smashing 50 off just 25 balls. His innings included five sixes and three fours, accelerating India’s scoring in the early stages. Together, Tilak and Abhishek put on a 107-run partnership for the second wicket, laying a solid foundation after India suffered an early blow with the loss of Sanju Samson, who fell for a duck. Despite Samson’s disappointing dismissal, India managed to build momentum, courtesy of the Tilak-Abhishek stand.
While India faced some resistance during the middle overs, especially from Keshav Maharaj (2/36), who put a lid on the scoring rate, Tilak ensured India regained control in the death overs. In the last six overs, Tilak unleashed his full range of shots, adding 52 runs off just 22 balls, which propelled India to their imposing total. His explosive batting made up for the struggles of skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who managed only 1 run, as well as modest contributions from Hardik Pandya (18) and Rinku Singh (8).
On South Africa’s side, Marco Jansen led the chase with a stunning 54 off just 17 balls, keeping India on edge until the final moments. Jansen’s fierce hitting included four sixes and five boundaries, threatening to turn the game on its head. Despite his valiant efforts, he was dismissed in the last over, closing South Africa’s innings at 208/7.
Other notable contributions for South Africa included Heinrich Klaasen, who scored 41 off 22 balls, while Aiden Markram (29), Reeza Hendricks (21), and Ryan Rickelton (20) provided early stability. However, they ultimately fell short, unable to fully recover from India’s consistent pressure with the ball.
For India, Arshdeep Singh was instrumental with both the new ball and at the end, registering figures of 3/37. His disciplined performance under pressure helped India contain South Africa’s explosive batters. Varun Chakravarthy also chipped in with 2 wickets for 54 runs, crucial in breaking partnerships that threatened India’s lead.
This victory comes as a testament to Tilak Varma’s talent, as his maiden century placed India in the driver’s seat. His wide-ranging strokeplay and ability to anchor the innings despite losing early wickets set the stage for a strong finish. Samson’s second consecutive duck contrasted starkly with his earlier century in the series opener, yet India’s middle order, led by Tilak and Abhishek, stepped up effectively.
India’s top-order depth and their resilient bowling display have provided the team with an edge over the Proteas in this series. Tilak’s fireworks and Abhishek’s breakthrough innings give hope for another strong performance in the upcoming final match, where India will look to finish the series on a high note.