In the third T20I match of the four-match series, India defeated South Africa by 11 runs at the SuperSport Park in Centurion.
SA won the toss and asked India to bat first. The centurion from the first game, Sanju Samson got his second consecutive duck tonight. However, from the other end, Abhishek Sharma (50) hit a brilliant half-century, with five fours and three sixes. In at number three, Tilak Varma (107) demonstrated his skill with the willow by cracking an unbeaten century. The two southpaw batters also scored 107 runs together, after which it looked like the unit would reach almost 230-240 runs. The Men in Blue later lost a few wickets but the intent never changed from the batters, which helped the side reach 219/6 in 20 overs.
Chasing 220, the Proteas must have thought it would be a walk in the park, given that the SuperSport Park pitch generally helps batters during the chase. However, India kept on taking wickets at regular intervals which hindered SA’s chase. Ryan Rickelton (20), Reeza Hendricks (21) and Aiden Markram (29) looked positive but couldn’t bat long. Heinrich Klassen (41) also appeared to be fairly comfortable with his strikes but failed to Arshdeep. Marco Jansen (54) was the star for the home team as he scored the fastest fifty for SA against India. He also became the second fastest half-centurian for the Proteas, certainly a quality audition ahead of the IPL Mega Auction. Coming back to the game, Jansen got out in the final over, losing the game by a mere 11 runs.
While defending, Arshdeep Singh was the star for the world champions he secured three massive wickets. Two wickets were also taken by Varun Chakaravarthy, while one wicket each was also acquired by Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya.
With the ball in the first innings, Amdile Simelane and Keshav Maharaj bagged two wickets. Jansen also managed to grab one wicket but most importantly, he was economical towards the end of the innings.
Tilak Varma was adjudged Player of the Match for his outstanding batting show. Following this win, India have taken the lead in the series by 2-1, with a game to go.
Scorecard:
India: 219/6, Overs 20, Tilak Varma 107, Amdile Simelane 2/34
South Africa: 208/7, Overs 20, Marco Jansen 54, Arshdeep Singh 3/37