Centurion : India defeated South Africa by 11 runs at SuperSport, Centurion in 3rd T20I, and lead the series 2-1. South Africa’s Marco Jansen’s 54* (17) gave great threats to India bowling lineup, but ultimately went in vain.
Chasing 220 runs, South Africa took an aggressive mode on a flat Pitch despite losing wickets from other end. Short cameos from Reeza Hendricks (21), Rickelton (20), skipper Aiden Markram (29) built the momentum. After their departure, South Africa were 84-4 (10).
Heinrich Klaasen (41) began the later half of the innings with his show. His knock of 41 (22) included 4 sixes, where he targeted in form spinner Varun Chakaravarthy (2/54), smashing 23 runs in an over.
After David Miller’s (18) wicket , Marco Jansen (54) joined him from other end, when the score was on 142-5 (16).
In no time, Jansen began turning the game in Proteas favour, with 54 (17), 2nd fastest T20I 50 by a South African.
His innings included 5 sixes and 4 boundaries where he smacked Hardik Pandya (1/50) for 26 runs in 19th over, reducing the margin to 25 required off last over from 51 off 12 Balls.
Arshdeep Singh (3/37) the stand out bowler for India , conceded just 13 runs off the over, dismissing Jansen in 3rd Ball, even after getting hit for a 6 in previous Ball, thereby, turning the match in India’s favour. South Africa ended the innings on 208-7 (20), losing by 11 runs.
With today’s Match, Arshdeep Singh became highest wicket taking pacer in T20Is for India with 92 wickets, surpassing Jasprit Bumrah.
In 1st innings, Abhishek Sharma (50) gave India flying start despite losing Sanju Samson (0) in 2nd Ball off 1st over.
Abhishek, accompanied by Tilak Varma (107*) notched up 107 runs partnership.
In later half of the innings, Tilak didn’t get any help from other end apart from short cameos of Hardik Pandya (18) & Ramandeep Singh (15).
Tilak went on to score his maiden T20I century with an innings of 107* (56) , comprising 7 sixes, 8 boundaries. India went on to score 219-6 (20) & lead the series 2-1.
For his heroics, Tilak was adjourned the man of the match.
The 2 teams will next face each other on November 15 for the series decider at Johannesburg.
Brief Scorecard :
1st Innings :
Ind : 219-6 (20)
Tilak Varma : 107* (54)
Abhishek Sharma : 50 (25)
Sa :
Andile Simlane : 2/34
2nd Innings :
Sa : 208-7 (20)
Marco Jansen : 54* (17)
Ind :
Arshdeep Singh : 3/37
Result : India win by 11 Runs.
