India defeated South Africa by 11 runs in the third T20I at SuperSport Park, Centurion, taking a 2-1 lead in the four-match series. Opting to bat first after being invited, India set a daunting target of 220, with Tilak Varma’s impressive maiden T20I century powering them to a total of 219/6.
With this, India posted their eighth 200-plus score in T20Is this year, the highest by any team in a calendar year, during the third T20I against South Africa at Centurion. With this achievement, India surpassed the previous record of seven such scores set by Birmingham Bears in 2022, India in 2023, and Japan in 2024.
Put to bat first after South Africa won the toss, India powered their way to 219/6 in 20 overs. Abhishek Sharma played a quickfire knock of 50 off 25 balls, while Tilak Varma stole the show with his maiden T20I century, scoring 107 off 56 deliveries with eight fours and seven sixes.
In the second innings, Heinrich Klaasen (41 off 22 balls) and Marco Jansen (54 off 17 balls) fought back for South Africa with explosive batting. However, Arshdeep Singh’s tight bowling, claiming 3/37, along with Varun Chakaravarthy’s two wickets, helped India hold off the Proteas and secure victory.
Tilak Varma was awarded ‘Player of the Match’ for his outstanding performance. With this win, India takes a 2-1 lead in the four-match series, with one game left to play.
With inputs from ANI