Tilak Varma’s breathtaking maiden T20I century set the stage for India’s narrow 11-run victory over South Africa, clinching an unbeatable 2-1 series lead ahead of the final game in Johannesburg on November 15. His fiery knock, supported by Abhishek Sharma’s quick fifty, propelled India to a massive 219/6. Despite valiant efforts from Marco Jansen and Heinrich Klaasen, South Africa fell short, finishing at 208/7.
Tilak and Abhishek Dominate the PowerPlay
After Sanju Samson fell for a duck in the opening over, Tilak Varma, promoted to No. 3, joined forces with Abhishek Sharma. The pair unleashed a ferocious attack, hammering South Africa’s bowlers during the PowerPlay. Abhishek, in particular, dismantled Gerald Coetzee and Andile Simelane, smashing 50 off just 25 balls before being stumped off Keshav Maharaj. By the end of the PowerPlay, India had raced to 70/1, their second-best start against South Africa in T20Is.
Tilak Anchors India’s Innings
Despite losing Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya cheaply, Tilak continued to pile on the runs. He brought up his half-century in 32 balls and shifted gears, smashing Keshav Maharaj and Gerald Coetzee for boundaries and sixes. Debutant Ramandeep Singh added a late flourish with a towering six, while Tilak reached his century in the penultimate over, helping India breach the 200-run mark. Jansen’s disciplined final over restricted India to 219/6.
Flying Ants Disrupt Play
In an unusual twist, play was halted for over 20 minutes due to a swarm of flying ants on the field. Players were forced off, and the ground staff used a super sopper to clear the pitch before the match resumed.
South Africa’s Chase: Jansen’s Heroics Fall Short
South Africa’s chase began with fireworks from Ryan Rickleton and Reeza Hendricks, but India’s bowlers struck back, with Arshdeep Singh dismissing Rickleton and Varun CV stumping Hendricks in the PowerPlay. Aiden Markram and Tristan Stubbs struggled against India’s spinners, leaving the hosts reeling at 84/4 after 10 overs.
Heinrich Klaasen reignited South Africa’s hopes with a brutal assault on Varun CV, hitting three consecutive sixes and a four. However, his dismissal in the 18th over by Arshdeep, who also claimed his 90th T20I wicket, shifted the momentum back to India. Jansen kept the chase alive with a stunning 54 off just 17 balls, including three sixes and four boundaries in Hardik Pandya’s penultimate over. However, needing 25 off the last over, Jansen fell to Arshdeep, sealing India’s victory.
Brief Scores
- India: 219/6 in 20 overs (Tilak Varma 107, Abhishek Sharma 50; Keshav Maharaj 2-36)
- South Africa: 208/7 in 20 overs (Marco Jansen 54, Heinrich Klaasen 41; Arshdeep Singh 3-37)
Tilak’s brilliance, combined with disciplined bowling in crucial moments, ensured India’s triumph in a thrilling contest.