Johannesburg [South Africa], November 16 – India secured a commanding 135-run victory over South Africa in the fourth T20I, sealing the series 3-1. This win, their fourth series triumph on South African soil, showcased India’s dominance, powered by standout performances from Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, and Arshdeep Singh.
Batting Brilliance: Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson Lead the Charge
Winning the toss, stand-in skipper Suryakumar Yadav opted to bat first. Openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma forged a solid 73-run partnership. Abhishek played a quick-fire knock of 38 runs, hitting 2 fours and 4 sixes before falling to Lutho Sipamla in the sixth over.
Samson, undeterred, partnered with Tilak Varma to unleash a relentless onslaught. The duo tore through South Africa’s bowling attack, adding a record-breaking 210-run partnership.
- Sanju Samson smashed 109 off just 51 balls, including 10 fours and 7 sixes.
- Tilak Varma followed with an unbeaten 120 from 47 balls at a staggering strike rate of 255.32, hammering 9 fours and 10 sixes.
This extraordinary display propelled India to a formidable 283/1, their highest-ever T20I total against South Africa.
Bowling Masterclass: Arshdeep Singh Leads the Pack
In response, South Africa faltered early as India’s bowlers, led by Arshdeep Singh, dismantled the hosts’ batting lineup.
- Arshdeep Singh delivered a fiery spell, claiming 3 wickets for 23 runs, including dismissals of Reeza Hendricks (0) and skipper Aiden Markram (8).
- Varun Chakravarthy chipped in with 2 wickets, including the key dismissal of David Miller (36).
- Ravi Bishnoi, Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, and Ramandeep Singh each grabbed a wicket, ensuring South Africa were bowled out for 148 in just 18.2 overs.
Despite brief resistance from Tristan Stubbs (43 off 29) and David Miller, South Africa’s batting crumbled under the relentless Indian attack.
Tilak Varma’s Historic Feat
Tilak Varma etched his name in the history books, becoming the second Indian batter to score centuries in consecutive T20I innings, joining Sanju Samson in the elite club.
- His first ton came in the third T20I (107*), while his 120 in this match further solidified his status as a rising star in Indian cricket.
- Sanju Samson achieved a similar milestone earlier in the series, scoring consecutive hundreds against Bangladesh and South Africa.
Record-Breaking Win
- India’s 18th victory against South Africa in T20Is made them the team with the most wins over the Proteas, surpassing Australia’s 17 wins.
- This win also saw Arshdeep Singh inch closer to becoming India’s joint-highest wicket-taker in T20Is.
India’s emphatic series win highlights their growing strength in T20 cricket, with emerging stars like Tilak Varma and seasoned performers like Samson leading the charge.
