India vs South Africa 3rd T20I: India emerged victorious in a thrilling encounter against South Africa, securing an 11-run win in the third T20I at Centurion. This intense showdown saw Tilak Varma’s sensational maiden T20I century and a bold fightback led by Marco Jansen for South Africa, keeping fans on the edge until the very last over. India’s win in this high-scoring match gave them a 2-1 lead in the four-match series, and fans witnessed an exciting mix of powerful batting, spirited bowling, and sharp fielding.
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India vs South Africa 3rd T20I : India Triumphs Over South Africa by 11 Runs in Thrilling 3rd T20I, Tilak Varma’s Century Secures 2-1 Series Lead
First Innings: Tilak Varma’s Century Takes India to 219/6
South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl, hoping to chase down a score at the familiar high-scoring grounds of Centurion. However, India’s top-order batsman Tilak Varma had other plans, delivering a powerhouse performance that kept the Indian scoreboard ticking even after the early loss of Sanju Samson, who was dismissed for a duck. Varma, undeterred, anchored the innings with a stunning 107 off just 56 balls, smashing the South African bowlers to all parts of the ground.
Teaming up with opener Abhishek Sharma, who returned to form with a brisk 50 off 25 balls, Varma helped India post a daunting 219/6. The duo’s 107-run partnership off 52 balls established a solid platform, allowing India to aim for an above-par total on the Centurion pitch.
After Abhishek’s dismissal, which came at the hands of Keshav Maharaj, the Proteas looked to capitalize with quick wickets. Yet Varma’s grit in the middle overs, supported by newcomer Ramandeep Singh’s debut cameo, kept India firmly in control. Singh contributed a fiery 15 off just six balls before a run-out curtailed his promising start. Varma’s century came up with a stylish four in the 19th over, setting an imposing 220-run target for South Africa.
South Africa’s Response: Marco Jansen Leads a Brave Fight
Chasing 220, South Africa got off to a shaky start with Arshdeep Singh claiming an early breakthrough, dismissing Rickleton in the opening overs. While the Indian spinners maintained pressure, South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen turned the game’s momentum by targeting Varun Chakravarthy in the 14th over, smashing 23 runs to keep South Africa’s chase alive. Klaasen’s aggressive approach, though ultimately short-lived, was a prelude to the onslaught that Marco Jansen would soon unleash.
Jansen walked in with the team in a tight spot, needing a near-impossible rate to stay in the hunt. Displaying incredible composure and skill, he hammered 54 off just 17 balls, peppering the boundaries with fours and sixes to bring South Africa within touching distance. Jansen’s blitz forced India to reconsider their bowling strategy, as he targeted both Hardik Pandya and Ravi Bishnoi with ferocious intensity. South Africa seemed poised for a dramatic finish, but with Arshdeep Singh’s precise final over and a timely catch by Varma at deep cover, India managed to close out the game.
Turning Points: Indian Spin Attack Holds Its Nerve
While Tilak Varma’s century and Jansen’s late surge were undoubtedly the highlights, the performance of India’s spinners played a pivotal role in controlling the match. Chakravarthy and Bishnoi’s disciplined bowling through the middle overs prevented South Africa from accelerating, keeping the asking rate climbing. After Klaasen and Miller’s brief partnership, Chakravarthy returned to claim Klaasen’s wicket, thanks to a well-placed field and Varma’s sharp catch.
Axar Patel’s dismissal of David Miller added further pressure on South Africa, making their chase even more challenging. Arshdeep Singh’s calm final over capped off the innings, snuffing out South Africa’s hopes as India clinched a well-earned victory.
Key Performances and Highlights
- Abhishek Sharma’s Comeback: Sharma’s 50 off 25 was the perfect complement to Varma’s century, signaling a solid return to form at the top of the order for India.
- Tilak Varma’s Maiden Century: Tilak’s unbeaten 107 was a masterclass in T20 batting, showcasing his range of shots and composure under pressure. His partnership with Abhishek Sharma gave India the launchpad they needed.
- Marco Jansen’s Explosive 54 off 17: Jansen’s ferocious hitting kept South Africa in the game when all seemed lost. His half-century came in just 16 balls, making him the hero of South Africa’s chase despite their loss.
- Indian Spin Dominance: The spin duo of Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi were instrumental in stifling South Africa’s middle-order, claiming crucial wickets and keeping the scoring rate in check.
India’s win over South Africa in the third T20I was a thrilling contest that saw both teams trading blows, with memorable performances from players on both sides. While Tilak Varma’s maiden century laid the foundation, South Africa’s Jansen almost pulled off a miraculous chase. However, India’s tactical bowling and tight fielding in the death overs proved to be the difference, allowing them to secure the win and take a 2-1 lead in the series.
As the series approaches its final match, fans can expect more fireworks from both teams, with South Africa looking to level the series and India aiming to clinch a decisive series win.
FAQs
Who won the 3rd T20I between India and South Africa?
India won the 3rd T20I by 11 runs, taking a 2-1 lead in the four-match series
Who was the top scorer for India?
Tilak Varma was the top scorer, hitting a remarkable 107* off 56 balls.
