India took a significant step in their T20 series by defeating South Africa by 11 runs in the third match held in Centurion, leading the four-match series 2-1. Fast bowler Arshdeep Singh secured the victory by dismissing Marco Jansen in the final over. After winning the toss, South Africa invited India to bat, a decision that led to a formidable total of 219/6, thanks to Tilak Verma’s impressive unbeaten 107 and a crucial 50-run contribution from Abhishek Sharma. South Africa, despite their efforts, fell short, managing only 208/7 in their 20 overs. The series now heads to its final match in Johannesburg on Friday, November 15.
India Sets New Record for 200+ Scores in T20
India set a remarkable record by scoring over 200 runs for the eighth time this year. This milestone makes them the first team to achieve such a feat in T20 cricket within a calendar year, surpassing Birmingham Bears (2022) and Japan. Last year, India had managed 200+ runs in T20s seven times.
Arshdeep Singh Becomes India’s Second Most Successful T20 Bowler
Arshdeep Singh’s stellar bowling performance not only secured the win but also marked a personal milestone as he surpassed both Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar with 92 T20 wickets, making him India’s second most successful T20 bowler. His crucial dismissal of Heinrich Klaasen, who scored a quick 41 off 22 balls, was key in turning the match around.
Play Disrupted by Insects
An unusual incident during the match saw play interrupted by a swarm of insects, forcing the players off the field. Hardik Pandya was about to bowl the second over when the match was halted, but after discussions, play resumed once conditions improved.
Klaasen and Jansen’s Efforts Fall Short
South Africa’s chase started with Rickelton’s 20-run knock before being bowled by Arshdeep. Hendricks contributed 21 before being stumped off Varun Chakravarthy. Despite Klaasen’s aggressive 41-run innings and Jansen’s maiden T20 fifty off just 16 balls, South Africa struggled to keep up with the required run rate. Jansen’s heroics brought hope but ended when Arshdeep claimed his wicket in the final over. Arshdeep finished with three wickets, while Varun Chakravarthy took two and Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel picked up one each.
Tilak Verma’s Century Propels India Past 200
Tilak Verma played a defining innings, scoring his first T20 international century to take India’s total past 200. After a shaky start with the early dismissal of Sanju Samson for zero, Tilak and Abhishek Sharma steadied the innings with a 107-run partnership. Abhishek’s 50 off 25 balls set the platform for Tilak’s unbeaten 107 off 56 deliveries, featuring eight fours and seven sixes. Captain Suryakumar Yadav and others added modest contributions to the total. For South Africa, Andile Simlane and Keshav Maharaj took two wickets each, and Marco Jansen took one.
