The Indian men’s cricket team regained its lead in the four-match T20 2024 series against South Africa, prevailing by 11 runs in the third match at Centurion on Wednesday. After being asked to bat first, the top-ranked team posted an impressive 219 runs with standout performances, including Tilak Varma’s remarkable unbeaten century, scoring 107 runs off just 56 balls.
Despite a strong effort from South Africa, particularly from Marco Jansen, who contributed a formidable 54 runs off 17 deliveries, the hosts fell short, ending their innings at 208/7. India’s victory put them ahead 2-1 in the series, with the final match scheduled for Friday at the Wanderers.
In this game, India faced an early setback when Sanju Samson was dismissed for a duck just two balls into the innings. However, a vital partnership formed between Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma saw the team recover, with the two adding 107 runs for the second wicket. Sharma scored a solid 50 before being stumped, while Varma continued his explosive batting, reaching his maiden T20I century in just 52 balls.
Other contributions from Hardik Pandya and Ramandeep Singh helped India achieve their highest-ever T20I score against South Africa on foreign soil. In response, South Africa struggled to build on good starts from their top batters, but Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller provided a glimmer of hope with a 58-run partnership. Unfortunately for the hosts, the dismissal of both batsmen in quick succession halted their momentum, leading to their eventual defeat.
The match showcased India’s strength and capability in T20 cricket, particularly as Varma’s performance not only set the tone for the victory but also foreshadows a promising future for the talented player. As the series heads to its final match, India will aim to secure a commanding series win, while South Africa will look to improve their performance and end the series on a high note.
Overall, cricket fans can look forward to an exciting finish to the series, with both teams showcasing their competitive spirit.