Centurion, Nov 14 (UNI) India held their nerve in a thrilling finish to clinch an 11-run victory over South Africa and take the lead in the series. Tilak Varma’s maiden T20I century laid the foundation, and Arshdeep Singh’s cool-headed bowling in the final over sealed India’s win after Marco Jansen’s explosive 54 off 17 balls nearly turned the game on its head.
After a rocky start where Sanju Samson was dismissed for a duck by Jansen’s probing line, Varma stepped up at No. 3. He crafted a scintillating century off 56 balls, hitting 8 fours and 7 sixes, and anchored India’s innings with aggressive yet controlled shot-making.
Supported by Abhishek Sharma, who blasted 50 off 25 balls with 5 sixes and 3 boundaries, India rocketed to 110/3 by the 10th over. Varma reached his hundred in the 18th over, celebrated with a kiss to the dugout, and remained unbeaten, driving India to a formidable 219/6.
South Africa’s bowlers had their moments, with Keshav Maharaj applying the brakes with 2/34, taking the wickets of Hardik Pandya and Sharma. Andile Simelane and Jansen shared wickets as well, but India’s aggression left them with little respite.
In pursuit, South Africa’s chase saw Jansen unleash an explosive response.
Coming in at a precarious moment, Jansen hammered 4 fours and 5 sixes to bring his side within reach, scoring his 50 off just 16 balls.
The 18th and 19th overs swung dramatically with Jansen smashing a six off Hardik Pandya and another off Arshdeep Singh, as Varma collided with the ground in a hard fielding effort but recovered quickly. A desperate India then turned to Arshdeep, who trapped Jansen LBW with a delivery that tailed away, confirmed via review.
With the odds stacked, Ravi Bishnoi and Arshdeep tightened their lines. Arshdeep led the attack with 3/37, while Bishnoi’s flighted deliveries troubled South Africa’s middle order. Varun Chakaravarthy also claimed crucial wickets, dismissing Aiden Markram (29) and Reeza Hendricks (21) early, en route to setting a new series record for India with 10 wickets.
The win solidified India’s hold on the series, with Varma’s hundred and Arshdeep’s composure in the death overs clinching a memorable contest and leaving South Africa to rue a chase that almost pulled off a remarkable heist.
