New Delhi: Centuries from Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma and a superb new-ball display by Arshdeep Singh powered India to a crushing 135-run run win over South Africa in the fourth and final T20I at the Bull Ring in Johannesburg. The massive win also sealed India’s 3-1 series win over a beleaguered Proteas.
Opting to bat first, Indian batters put on a show for the ages and broke a plethora of records during a breathtaking innings. After back-to-back ducks, Samson (109 not out off 56 balls) bounced back superbly to hit his second century of the series. Meanwhile, Tilak smashed his second consecutive century and remained unbeaten on 120 not out off just 47 balls.
Samson, Tilak punish SA
The pair forged an unbeaten 210-run partnership off 86 balls to take India to a gigantic total of 283 for 1 in 20 overs. India missed out surpassing their previous best of 297/6 against Bangladesh in Hyderabad in October by just 14 runs.
Abhishek Sharma (36) was the only batter to be dismissed in the Indian innings. He was dismissed by Lutho Sipamla in the sixth over.
In reply, South Africa lost 4 wickets for 10 runs in three overs courtesy of a sensational spell with the new ball by Arshdeep Singh. The left-handed pacer bamboozled the Proteas top-order with his swing and seam movement, picking up three wickets in his first spell.
An 86-run stand between Tristan Stubbs (43 off 29) and David Miller (36 off 27) steadied the ship for the home side but with a target so big it was only a matter of time before the lower order was exposed. Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel chipped in with two wickets apiece while Ramandeep Singh picked up his maiden wicket.
Despite the disastrous start, South Africa managed to reach 148 before being bundled out by the visitors. India also continued their superb run in T20Is, having lost just two matches and winning 24 off 26 matches in 2024.
SA vs IND: Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson set up India’s massive 135-run win in the fourth and final T20I against South Africa in Johannesburg. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
