source : BCCI
India showcased a stunning all-round performance to trounce South Africa by 135 runs in the fourth T20I at Johannesburg. With stellar centuries from Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma, followed by a ruthless bowling display, India sealed the series in commanding fashion.
A Batting Spectacle for the Ages
After skipper Suryakumar Yadav opted to bat first, India’s top order set the stage for an extraordinary innings.
Tilak and Samson Lead the Charge
- Tilak Varma: 120* off 47 balls (10 sixes, 9 fours)
- Sanju Samson: 109* off 56 balls (9 sixes, 6 fours)
The pair combined for a record-breaking 210-run partnership for the second wicket off just 86 balls, leaving South Africa’s bowlers with no answers.
Key Highlights:
- Explosive Start: India raced to 73/1 in the powerplay, with opener Abhishek Sharma contributing a brisk 36 off 18 balls.
- Samson’s Comeback: After two ducks in previous matches, Samson bounced back in style, becoming the first player in T20I history to score three centuries in a calendar year.
- Tilak’s Consistency: Following his third T20I ton earlier this year, Tilak continued to dazzle, solidifying his reputation as a T20 powerhouse.
- Final Score: India finished with a colossal 283/1, their highest score in the series and among the best in T20I cricket.
South Africa Collapse Under Pressure
Chasing a monumental 284, South Africa faced a nightmare start and never recovered.
Early Wreckage:
India’s new-ball attack decimated the Proteas in the powerplay, reducing them to a shocking 30/4.
- Arshdeep Singh: 3/20 | Struck thrice in the first three overs.
- Ravi Bishnoi & Varun Chakravarthy: Key middle-overs breakthroughs to quash any resistance.
Brief Resistance:
- David Miller (36 off 27) and Tristan Stubbs (29 off 22) attempted to stabilize the innings but succumbed under pressure.
- South Africa were eventually bowled out for 148 in 18.2 overs, falling a massive 135 runs short
Milestones & Records
- Unbeaten Partnership: Tilak and Samson’s stand of 210 runs is among the highest second-wicket partnerships in T20I history.
- Samson’s Century Streak: Three centuries in a calendar year is a record in T20I cricket.
- Series Win: India has now won back-to-back T20I series against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and South Africa since their T20 World Cup victory.
Venue: The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
Result: India win by 135 runs
Series Outcome: India clinch the 4-match series 3-1
What’s Next for Team India?
India’s consistent performances with both bat and ball have set a high standard in T20I cricket. The team now looks ahead to their upcoming challenges with an eye on maintaining this dominant streak.
With this massive victory, India has sent a clear message to the cricketing world: they are a force to be reckoned with in the shortest format of the game.
