India Clinch 3-1 Bilateral Series Win with Dominant 135-Run Victory Over South Africa
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| Sanju Samson & Tilak Varma's Record Partnership of 210-run broke India's previous second-wicket T20I record of 176 runs. / Getty |
India wrapped up a dominant 3-1 series win over South Africa with a resounding 135-run victory in the fourth T20I at the Wanderers Stadium. This crushing performance was built on stellar centuries from Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma, followed by a sensational bowling display led by Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya that dismantled the South African top order.
Winning the toss for the first time on the tour, Suryakumar Yadav opted to bat first, and his decision paid off in spectacular fashion. Openers Abhishek Sharma and Samson gave India a brisk start, adding 45 runs in quick time. Sharma, however, fell for a quick-fire 36 off 18 balls, bringing Tilak Varma to the crease at his preferred position of number three.
Varma made an immediate impact, taking full control of the game. Alongside Samson, the pair tore into the South African bowlers, sharing a record-breaking 210-run partnership. Both batters reached their centuries with commanding strokes, guiding India to a massive total of 283/1 from their allotted 20 overs. Samson finished with an unbeaten 109, while Varma's knock of 120* off 58 balls anchored India’s total.
Chasing a daunting target, South Africa’s response was undermined early by a devastating bowling attack. Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya, both unplayable with the new ball, ripped through the top order. Arshdeep struck first, dismissing Reeza Hendricks for a duck with a brilliant delivery that clipped the off-stump. Hardik followed up by dismissing Ryan Rickelton in the next over, and then Arshdeep continued his rampage, removing Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen in consecutive deliveries. The hosts were left reeling at 10/4 after just 3 overs, a near-impossible position to recover from.
The Proteas never recovered from the early collapse, as the Indian bowlers, both pacers and spinners, kept chipping away with regular wickets. India’s spinners, Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel, bagged two wickets apiece, while Arshdeep finished with a brilliant 3-wicket haul. Hardik, Ramandeep Singh, and Ravi Bishnoi also contributed with one wicket each. South Africa were bowled out for 148 in 18.2 overs, with India sealing the win with 8 balls to spare.
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| India defeated South Africa by 135 runs, securing a 3-1 series victory. / Getty |
This comprehensive victory not only secured the series for India but also underlined their all-round dominance. With the bat, Samson and Varma shone brightly, while Arshdeep and Pandya's fiery new-ball spells set the tone for a memorable win. India will now look to build on this success as they head into future challenges, with their blend of solid batting and lethal bowling proving to be a winning combination.