Johannesburg [South Africa], November 16 – India etched their name in the record books with a commanding 135-run victory over South Africa in the fourth T20I, securing a 3-1 series win. The match saw multiple records shattered, with centuries from Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson, alongside a formidable bowling performance.
India’s Record-Breaking Innings
India’s total of 283/1 is now the highest T20I score ever achieved on South African soil. The innings was powered by centuries from Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson, making India the third international team (after the Czech Republic and Japan) to have two batters score centuries in a single T20I innings.
Key records from the innings:
- 23 sixes: India registered the third-highest number of sixes in a T20I innings and the most in a match between two Full Member sides.
- 210-run partnership: The unbeaten stand between Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma is now the highest for any wicket for India in T20Is.
- Top T20I totals: This score joins India’s 297 against Bangladesh as the top two highest totals in T20Is between Full Member nations.
Standout Performances
- Tilak Varma: Scored an explosive 120 off 47 balls, hitting 9 fours and 10 sixes. He became the second Indian, after Sanju Samson, and the fifth overall to score consecutive centuries in T20Is.
- Sanju Samson: Contributed a scintillating 109 off 56 balls, marking his third T20I century in just five matches.
Openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma laid a solid foundation with a 73-run partnership. Abhishek scored 38 off 20 balls, hitting 2 fours and 4 sixes, before being dismissed by Lutho Sipamla in the sixth over. Samson and Varma then took over, unleashing a record-breaking onslaught that left South Africa’s bowlers struggling.
South Africa’s Struggles in the Chase
Chasing 284, South Africa could only manage 148 runs in 19 overs. While Tristan Stubbs (43 off 29) and David Miller (36 off 27) put up some resistance, the rest of the batting lineup faltered against India’s disciplined bowling attack.
- Arshdeep Singh: Claimed key wickets early on, setting the tone for India’s dominance.
- Varun Chakaravarthy: Delivered an impactful spell, taking wickets in the middle overs to derail South Africa’s momentum.
Key Highlights of the Match
- India’s Record Sixes: With 23 sixes, India demonstrated their dominance, surpassing the previous six-hitting records in T20Is between Full Member sides.
- Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson’s Historic Partnership: Their 210-run stand is now the highest for any wicket in Indian T20I history.
- South African Bowling Woes: Lutho Sipamla was the only bowler to take a wicket but conceded heavily, allowing India to capitalize.
India’s Series Triumph
This victory not only secured the series 3-1 but also highlighted India’s depth in batting and bowling. It marked India’s 18th win against South Africa in T20Is, the most by any team, surpassing Australia’s 17 wins.
