CENTURION: India claimed an exhilarating 11-run victory over South Africa in the third T20I on Wednesday, with a stunning maiden century from Tilak Varma and a strong team effort propelling them to a 2-1 lead in the four-match series.
The match was electrifying from start to finish, with Tilak Varma’s brilliant 107 off 56 balls anchoring India’s innings to a formidable 219/6. Varma’s innings featured eight boundaries and seven sixes, showcasing his remarkable stroke play against South Africa’s bowling attack. Abhishek Sharma also contributed significantly, smashing a quick 50 off 25 balls, with five sixes and three boundaries, as India posted one of its highest totals against South Africa in T20 internationals.
In reply, South Africa’s chase saw some early stumbles. Opener Ryan Rickelton managed just 20 runs, with his innings punctuated by near misses, as edges missed the stumps and a catch was dropped by Axar Patel. Reeza Hendricks (21) fell soon after, stumped off the bowling of Varun Chakravarthy, who proved a consistent challenge for the Proteas.
Captain Aiden Markram (29) struggled to build momentum, eventually falling to Chakravarthy after misjudging a shot, while Tristan Stubbs was pinned in front by Axar Patel for 12. South Africa seemed to be on the back foot until Heinrich Klaasen unleashed a blistering 41 off 22 balls, delivering a series of sixes against India’s spinners and reminding fans of his T20 World Cup exploits.
However, the true drama began with Marco Jansen’s explosive 54 off just 17 balls. With a strike rate of 317, Jansen’s knock included five sixes and four fours, bringing South Africa tantalizingly close to India’s total. His late charge had fans on the edge of their seats, especially after Klaasen’s dismissal, with South Africa needing 53 off the last 14 balls. Jansen’s assault brought them within reach of an unlikely win, but Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh ultimately had the final say. With three balls left, Arshdeep trapped Jansen leg-before, sealing India’s thrilling 11-run victory.
Earlier in the game, India’s innings was briefly interrupted when flying ants swarmed SuperSport Park, causing a half-hour delay. But once play resumed, Tilak and Abhishek’s partnership lifted India’s score, with Varma in particular punishing the South African pacers as he raced to his first international century.
With this win, India now has a chance to seal the series in the final match. Fans eagerly await the showdown, with India poised to carry forward their momentum and South Africa looking to level the series in a do-or-die battle.
