Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson Shine as India Dominate South Africa
Match Summary
India dominated the fourth T20 at the DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. They beat South Africa by 135 runs to win the series 3-1. With unbeaten centuries from Tilak Varma (120* off 47) and Sanju Samson (109* off 56), India posted a record 283-1. It is their second-highest T20I total. South Africa faltered, bowled out for 148 in 18.2 overs. Arshdeep Singh led the attack, taking 3 for 20.
Historic Partnership Sets New Benchmarks
Varma and Samson’s unbroken 210-run stand for the second wicket rewrote the record books. It was the first case of two team-mates scoring centuries in the same innings of a men’s T20I between full-member nations. Their partnership is the sixth-highest in men’s T20s. It’s the highest for India and the second wicket across all teams.
Tilak Varma’s 120* included nine fours and 10 sixes. He hit his century in just 41 balls, the third-fastest by an Indian in T20Is. Samson, on the other hand, hit six fours and nine sixes. He scored 109*, becoming the first Indian to hit T20I centuries in a row earlier in the series.
Key Batting Highlights
- India’s Total: 283-1 (20 overs)
- Tilak Varma: 120* (47 balls, 9 fours, 10 sixes)
- Sanju Samson: 109* (56 balls, 6 fours, 9 sixes)
- Notable Milestone: Varma is the fifth player in men’s T20 to score consecutive centuries.
This stunning performance also saw India near their T20 high of 297-6, set against Bangladesh in 2019.
South Africa Struggles Against India’s Dominance
Under pressure, South Africa crumbled, losing four wickets in three overs. They slumped to 10-4. Tristan Stubbs made 43 runs off 29 balls. But it wasn’t enough to avoid the team’s heaviest-ever T20 defeat by runs.
Key Bowling Performances:
- Arshdeep Singh: 3-20 (4 overs)
- Kuldeep Yadav: 2-28 (4 overs)
- South Africa’s Total: 148 all out (18.2 overs)
The Indian bowlers were very disciplined and consistent. The Proteas could never recover from their early collapse.
Series Overview
This win gave India a 3-1 series victory. It showed their strength in both batting and bowling. Tilak Varma was the standout player. He made two centuries and had several match-winning performances. The series also showed Samson’s return as a key player. It solidified his role as a reliable middle-order batter.
Statistical Recap
Match Highlights:
- Highest Partnership: Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson – 210* (2nd wicket)
- India’s 283-1: 2nd highest T20 total in its history
- Fastest Centuries for India in T20s:
- Rohit Sharma – 35 balls
- Sanju Samson – 40 balls
- Tilak Varma – 41 balls
South Africa’s Struggles:
- Lowest Powerplay Total: 10-4 after three overs
- Top Scorer: Tristan Stubbs – 43 off 29 balls
India’s win showed their batting power. It also proved they can dominate in all formats. With this win, India has once again asserted its strength as a global powerhouse in T20 cricket.
