Centurion, Nov 13: Tilak Varma’s explosive maiden T20I hundred provided the backbone of India’s narrow 11-run victory over South Africa in the third T20I, helping the visitors take a 2-1 lead in the four-match series.
Winning the toss, South Africa had sent India to bat first, as India posted a formidable 219 for six, with Varma’s unbeaten 107 off 56 balls showcasing a mix of raw power and finesse.
The young left-hander brought up his first T20I hundred in just 51 balls, hammering eight boundaries and seven towering sixes. Abhishek Sharma set the early tone, blasting a 25-ball 50, which included three fours and five sixes, giving India a blazing start before being dismissed by Keshav Maharaj.
Despite losing Sanju Samson for a duck in the opening over, Varma and Sharma’s partnership built a strong foundation. While Suryakumar Yadav (1) and Hardik Pandya (18) departed cheaply, Varma anchored India’s innings with remarkable poise, supported by late cameos from Rinku Singh (8) and Ramandeep Singh (15), which pushed the team’s score to a daunting 219 for six.
South Africa’s bowlers struggled, with Maharaj standing out by taking 2 for 36 in his four overs, while Andile Simelane’s 2 for 34 helped stymie the Indian charge briefly.
Chasing a target of 220, South Africa fell short despite a valiant effort from Heinrich Klaasen and Marco Jansen. Opening batsman Ryan Rickelton was dismissed early for 20, as Arshdeep Singh rattled his stumps in the third over. Reeza Hendricks tried to maintain the momentum, scoring 21 off 13 balls before Varun Chakaravarthy trapped him to bring India back into the game.
South Africa wobbled as skipper Aiden Markram (29) and Tristan Stubbs (12) failed to convert their starts. However, Klaasen’s quick-fire 41 off 22 balls and Jansen’s blistering 54 off 17 balls, including five sixes, brought South Africa within striking distance. A
rshdeep Singh’s return to the attack proved decisive, as he dismissed both Klaasen and Jansen, ending South Africa’s hopes at 208 for seven.Arshdeep was India’s star with the ball, finishing with figures of 3 for 37, while Chakaravarthy’s 2 for 54 proved crucial in curbing South Africa’s middle order. India’s disciplined death bowling ultimately secured the thrilling win.
With this hard-fought victory, India now leads the series 2-1, setting up an exciting final match.
With this impressive win, India have not only taken a 2-1 lead in the four-match T20I series but also showcased the strength of their young players like Tilak Varma and Abhishek Sharma, who took on the pressure and delivered under testing conditions. (Agencies)
