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The third T20 match between India and South Africa at Centurion was a nail-biting contest that saw India claim an 11-run win, taking a 2-1 lead in the four-match series. India, opting to bat first, set a challenging target of 220, thanks to a sensational century by young batter Tilak Varma. South Africa’s spirited chase kept fans on edge, particularly with Marco Jansen’s explosive half-century, but the hosts ultimately fell short, finishing at 208 for seven.
India’s Innings
Tilak Varma’s Heroics: Opening the innings for India, Tilak Varma produced a breathtaking maiden T20I century. His 107 runs came off just 56 balls, a masterclass of controlled aggression and composure. Varma’s innings included a flurry of boundaries and sixes, keeping the South African bowlers on their toes throughout.
Support from Abhishek Sharma: Providing a solid platform alongside Varma, Abhishek Sharma scored a swift 50 off 25 balls. Together, the two propelled India’s score with a 112-run stand for the second wicket, setting the stage for a formidable total. Sharma’s powerful hitting allowed India to accelerate through the middle overs, leaving South Africa searching for breakthroughs.
Finishing Touches: India closed their innings at 219/6. Contributions from the lower order, including some quick runs from Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya, helped India cross the 200-run mark, leaving South Africa a daunting target on a tricky pitch.
South Africa’s Response
A Resilient Chase: Facing a stiff target, South Africa’s chase began steadily. However, India’s bowlers kept the early pressure, preventing the hosts from building a solid foundation. Skipper Temba Bavuma and Quinton de Kock laid down a respectable start, but the Indian bowlers were quick to break partnerships and restrict runs.
Heinrich Klaasen and Marco Jansen’s Late Heroics: As the game entered its final overs, Heinrich Klaasen tried to revive South Africa’s hopes with a quick 41 off 22 balls. His efforts were soon complemented by a phenomenal innings from Marco Jansen, who came in lower down the order. Known for his bowling, Jansen showcased his batting prowess with a career-best 54 from just 17 deliveries, smashing sixes across the park and igniting hope for an unlikely comeback.
India’s Bowling Success: Despite the late assault by Jansen, India’s bowlers held their nerve. Spinner Axar Patel kept things tight with figures of 1-29, and pacer Arshdeep Singh’s 3-37 proved crucial in controlling the runs during the death overs. Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav also chipped in with disciplined spells, creating pressure that ultimately kept South Africa just short of the target.
Notable Moment: Flying Ants Delay Play
The match had an unusual stoppage when a swarm of flying ants invaded the pitch, halting play for nearly half an hour during South Africa’s innings. Players and officials had to temporarily pause the game, dealing with the unexpected delay before resuming the high-stakes contest.
Looking Ahead: Series Decider in Johannesburg
With this win, India now leads the series 2-1, setting up an exciting finale in Johannesburg on Friday. India will be eager to seal the series with a victory, while South Africa will aim to level it in front of their home crowd.
