Tilak varma | Tilak Varma’s Maiden T20I Ton Gives India 2-1 Lead Over So...

Tilak Varma’s Maiden T20I Ton Gives India 2-1 Lead Over South Africa

 

Tilak Varma’s maiden T20I century stole the show as India triumphed over South Africa by 11 runs in a thrilling encounter, taking a 2-1 lead in the series. On a memorable evening in Johannesburg, the young left-hander played a match-winning knock of 100 off 55 balls, laying the foundation for India’s imposing total of 219/6. His blistering century was the highlight of a dominant partnership with Abhishek Sharma, who chipped in with a quickfire 50 off just 25 balls.

 

The pair wasted no time after India lost Sanju Samson for a duck in the first over. Varma, promoted to No. 3 ahead of Suryakumar Yadav, played an audacious brand of cricket. He and Sharma attacked from the outset, putting South Africa under pressure with an aggressive approach. By the time the PowerPlay ended, India was sitting pretty at 70/1—a strong position thanks to their boundary-laden start.

 

Even after Sharma was dismissed, Varma kept the momentum going, hitting sixes and fours with ease, reaching his century in the penultimate over. Though India lost wickets around him, with Suryakumar falling cheaply and Hardik Pandya making just 18, Varma remained unshaken.

 

 

 

 

His knock, supported by debutant Ramandeep Singh’s six, guided India past the 200-run mark. South Africa’s bowlers, particularly Gerald Coetzee, struggled to contain the onslaught, with Coetzee finishing with 0/51 in 3 overs. South Africa’s chase, led by a fiery 54 off 17 balls from Marco Jansen, seemed to be gaining momentum.

 

Heinrich Klaasen also chipped in with 41 off 22 balls, but the required run rate proved too steep. Arshdeep Singh, who took his 90th T20I wicket, bowled an excellent final over to seal the win for India.

 

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FAQ

 

1. Who was the standout performer for India? 

Tilak Varma’s stunning 100 off 55 balls was the match-defining performance.

 

2. What was India’s total score? 

India posted a challenging 219/6 in their 20 overs.

 

3. How did South Africa respond in the chase? 

South Africa made a strong attempt with 54 from Jansen and 41 from Klaasen, but ultimately fell short in their pursuit.

 

4. What was significant about Arshdeep Singh’s performance? 

Arshdeep became the second-fastest Indian to reach 90 T20I wickets, surpassing Jasprit Bumrah’s tally, and played a key role in closing out the game.

 

5. What is the current series score? 

India now lead the series 2-1, with one match left to play.