India claimed a thrilling 11-run win over South Africa in the third T20I at Centurion, gaining a 2-1 advantage in the four-match series. The match’s highlight was Tilak Varma’s maiden T20I century, an electrifying 107 off 56 balls that propelled India to a formidable total of 219/6. Captain Suryakumar Yadav commended the team’s bold approach, emphasizing the focus on executing their aggressive game plan and supporting emerging talents like Varma.
Despite his personal struggles with the bat, Suryakumar expressed delight with the team’s adherence to their strategy. He noted the importance of the team’s actions aligning with their intent, crediting Varma and others for making his role as captain easier. Suryakumar shared that Varma had specifically asked to bat at No. 3, a request granted with remarkable results as the youngster played one of the most memorable innings of the series.
Varma’s innings, punctuated by eight fours and seven sixes, set the tone for India’s dominance. He received valuable support from Abhishek Sharma, who blasted 50 off 25 balls. However, India’s middle order stumbled, with South Africa’s bowlers Andile Simelane and Keshav Maharaj each taking two wickets to halt the momentum. Despite this, India’s total proved to be a daunting challenge for the Proteas.
South Africa mounted a spirited chase, with Marco Jansen smashing a fiery 54 off just 17 balls and Heinrich Klaasen adding a quick 41 from 22 deliveries. Their explosive batting brought the Proteas within striking distance. However, India’s bowlers, led by Arshdeep Singh with three critical wickets and Varun Chakaravarthy with two, stepped up to contain the opposition in the crucial death overs, sealing the victory.
Tilak Varma’s match-winning knock earned him the Player of the Match award, with Suryakumar Yadav expressing pride in the young batter’s exceptional contribution. The captain also lauded the team’s collective effort in sticking to their aggressive approach. This win not only showcased the impact of India’s bold strategy but also highlighted the growing confidence of their younger players in high-pressure situations.
