Tilak Varma, Arshdeep Singh help India end Centurion trend, seal series lead

India bounced back from their defeat in Gqeberha with a significantly improved batting display, driven by Tilak Varma’s maiden T20I century in the third T20I of the four-match series in Centurion on Wednesday, 13 November. India set a record total of 219 at SuperSport Park, becoming the first team in five years to defend a target in a T20 international at this iconic venue. | Scorecard |
A bizarre interruption caused by a swarm of ‘flying ants’ briefly halted play. Fortunately, it did not overshadow the match as players from both teams continued to give their all in what has been a largely inconsequential T20I series in the Rainbow Nation.
Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 107, Abhishek Sharma’s fifty, and a brisk cameo from debutant Ramandeep Singh powered India to 219 for 6 in their 20 overs after South Africa won the toss and chose to field. Aiden Markram counted on recent history at the venue, where teams batting second had won the last five T20Is, including South Africa’s world-record chase of 259 in March 2023.
SA vs IND, 3rd T20I: Highlights
However, India’s bowlers, led by record-breaking Arshdeep Singh, succeeded in keeping South Africa’s big-hitting stars quiet, allowing India to break the pattern and secure a memorable 11-run victory. With this win, India gained an unassailable 2-1 lead in the four-match series, with the finale set to be played on Friday at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.
Heinrich Klaasen’s 22-ball 41 and Marco Jansen’s sensational cameo — a 17-ball 54 — were not enough as India won the match by 11 runs. Jansen auditioned perfectly for the upcoming Indian Premier League mega auction, taking two wickets in an economical display of bowling before hammering Hardik Pandya for 26 runs in an over and helping South Africa stay in the contest until the 20th over of the chase.
It was also a record-breaking day for Indian bowlers Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakrvarthy, the architects of India’s successful defence of 219 runs.
Arshdeep broke Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s record to become the fast bowler with most wickets in T20I cricket for India. Varun Chakravarthy, who picked up two crucial wickets, took his tally in the series to 10 wickets and break R Ashwin’s record for most wickets in a bilateral series for India.
Arshdeep was the pick of the bowler as he got the crucial wickets of Jansen and Klaasen in his sensational spell at the death, helping India survive under pressure in the thriller.
The Indian innings got off to a shaky start when Sanju Samson, who had been in excellent form, was dismissed for a golden duck by Marco Jansen after variable bounce. This early setback could have derailed India’s plans, but it was here that Tilak Varma and Abhishek Sharma stepped up to rescue the innings.
Tilak Varma, promoted to the number three position, walked in during the very first over and immediately took charge. He faced a two-paced wicket with fearless aggression, capitalising on every opportunity to score. His innings was a masterclass in power-hitting and skillful assessment of the match situation. Varma’s ability to pace the innings while showcasing breathtaking stroke-play was remarkable, as he navigated challenging conditions with ease.
Captain Suryakumar revealed after the game that Tilak wanted to bat at No. 3 and that the young Mumbai Indians star would continue to bat in the position in the coming games. It was a huge statement from Surya, who seems to be willing to sacrifice his spot for his teammate.
“He came to me (in Gqeberha), asked me if he could bat at three. I said to him it was his day and to enjoy himself. I knew what he was capable of doing and very happy for him. He is batting at three going forward definitely (smiles). He asked for it, he delivered it. Very happy for his family,” he said.
Abhishek Sharma provided solid support to Varma, ending his lean patch with a brisk 25-ball 50. The partnership between Varma and Sharma was instrumental in shifting the momentum in India’s favour. They combined brilliantly to put South Africa on the defensive, particularly during the powerplay, where India scored a commanding 70.
As the innings progressed, Tilak Varma continued to dominate the South African bowlers. He effortlessly reverse-swept Aiden Markram for six and hooked Coetzee for another maximum off a no-ball. Despite the loss of Sharma, who was stumped in Keshav Maharaj’s over, Varma remained unfazed and continued his onslaught. He reached his century in just 51 balls with a chipped drive past mid-off for four off Sipamla, and then added a scooped six over fine leg off a free-hit delivery.
Debutant Ramandeep Singh also made a notable contribution, smashing a six off his very first ball in international cricket and adding a wristy drive for four. Although Ramandeep was run out in the final over, Tilak Varma’s whirlwind knock ensured India finished with an imposing total, which proved enough for India.