Samson, Varma, Arshdeep shine in 135- run win over South Africa

Blistering centuries by Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma coupled with Arshdeep Singh three wicket haul in the powerplay laid the foundation for India’s 135-run win over host South Africa in the fourth and final T20 International that was played at the Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg on Friday night.  The Suryakumar led Indian side sealed the series 3-1, their fifth series triumph in South Africa. In the process India also registered their 18th win against their rivals in 31 T20Is including the ICC T20 World Cup final that was played earlier this year- the most by a team going past 17 wins by Australia in 25 games.

Electing to bat first, Indian top order batters dominated the show by bullying the listless South African bowlers into submission from the onset on a good batting track with true bounce on offer. Samson and Abhishek Sharma (36) forged a solid 73-run opening wicket partnership. before the later was dismissed by Lutho Sipamla in the sixth over. Samson's unbeaten 109 (off 56 balls) was complemented by Varma's 120 not out (in only 47 balls) and the two put on a record-breaking 210-run unbeaten partnership for the second wicket that propelled India to a formidable 283 for 1, their highest total on overseas soil. Both Samson and Varma in the process registered their second century in the series against Proteas.

South Africa's run chase, was off to a disastrous start as they lost top three batters fell to the prodigiously swing of left arm pacer Arshdeep Singh (3/20) under lights. Reduced to 10 for 4 the hosts were eventually shot out for 148 in 18.2 overs. Tristan Stubbs (43 off 29 balls) and David Miller (36 off 27 balls) were the only batters who showed some resistance.

Spinners Varun Chakaravarthy (2/42), Axar Patel (2/6) and Ravi Bhisnoi (1/28) too played a key role in the middle

The series win highlighted India's all-round dominance, with key players stepping up in both departments. The result also underscored the depth and adaptability of the Indian squad, as they continue to assert their supremacy in T20 cricket. 

South paw Tilak Varma who made the best use of his promotion to number 3 position with back to back century was named the  Player of the Match and Series post the match said, “This inning was crucial for the team and the series. I wanted to back myself, stay calm, and follow my basics. I never imagined scoring a century in South Africa. I'm grateful to God and captain Suryakumar for the opportunity to bat at number 3. After being injured for the last 2 months, scoring this hundred was a special moment."

Aiden Markram, South Africa Captain on the other hand said, "We were outplayed by India. We were hoping to level the series, but credit to them for their clinical display. You can't just hit the stumps these days - you need to use the crease, bowl wider, and challenge the batters."

A beaming Suryakumar Yadav, India Captain under whom the Men in Blue have won all their bilateral T20I series this year, said, "There's no secret to adapting to situations. Our plans were clear from the start, and we wanted to continue the way we played on our last tour. The batting performances from Sanju, Tilak, and Abhishek were simply amazing. The wicket had something in it after the temperature dropped, and our bowlers executed our plans to perfection. Winning the T20 WC has given us a big boost, and this series victory in South Africa will stay with me forever. The coaching staff gave the boys the freedom to express themselves, and that's what they did."

Brief scores (Fourth and Final T20I): India - 283/1 in 20 overs (Tilak Varma 120* (47b: 9x4s, 10x6s), Sanju Samson 109 (56b: 6x4s, 9x6s), Abhishek Sharma 36 (18b: 2x4, 4x6s) ; Lutho Sipamla 1/58) beat South Africa - 148 all out in 18.2 overs (Tristan Stubbs 43 (29b: 3x4s,2x6s), David Miller 36 (29b: 2x4s,3x6s); Arshdeep Singh 3/20, Axar Patel 2/6, Varun Chakaravarthy 2/42, Hardik Pandya 1/8, Ravi Bishnoi 1/28, Ramandeep Singh 1/42)) by 135 runs. Player of the Match & Series: Tilak Varma (India)

Photo Cover : At 22 years and eight days Tilak Varma became the youngest Indian to score back to back T20I centuries. He was also named the  Player of the Match and Series (Photo courtesy ICC)

Photo  Above : India won ther fifth series win in South Africa.