India crush South Africa by 135 runs, clinch series 3-1

Johannesburg, Nov 15: India showcased a dominant all-round performance to annihilate South Africa by 135 runs in the fourth and final T20I at The Wanderers Stadium, sealing the series 3-1. Riding on blistering centuries from Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson, followed by a disciplined bowling effort, India asserted their supremacy in the shortest format.
After opting to bat, India posted a mammoth 283/1, thanks to an unbeaten 210-run stand between Tilak Varma (120* off 47 balls) and Sanju Samson (109* off 56 balls). In reply, South Africa crumbled under pressure, bowled out for 148 in 18.2 overs.
India’s innings was a batting exhibition, with Varma and Samson in imperious form. Samson’s classy 109 featured 9 fours and 6 sixes, while Varma’s explosive knock included 9 boundaries and 10 towering sixes. The duo complemented each other perfectly, accelerating at will to post one of the highest partnerships in T20I history.
Abhishek Sharma (36 off 18) set the tone with a quick-fire start before falling to Lutho Sipamla in the sixth over. From there, Samson and Varma took complete control, dismantling the Proteas’ attack with ease. South Africa’s bowlers struggled to make an impact on the batting-friendly surface. Sipamla (1/58) was the lone wicket-taker, but India’s batters were relentless. Marco Jansen (0/42) and Keshav Maharaj (0/42) managed to keep their economy rates in check but lacked penetration. The Proteas’ indiscipline was evident, as they conceded 18 extras, including 17 wides.
Chasing an imposing target of 284, South Africa got off to a disastrous start. Arshdeep Singh struck in the very first over, dismissing Reeza Hendricks for a duck. He went on to finish with figures of 3/20, dismantling South Africa’s top order.
Varun Chakaravarthy (2/42) and Axar Patel (2/6) kept the Proteas under pressure, while Ravi Bishnoi, Ramandeep Singh, and Hardik Pandya chipped in with crucial wickets. (PTI)