Tilak Varma’s brilliant maiden T20I century led India to a commanding total of 219/6 in the third T20I against South Africa on Wednesday. Varma’s 107 not out from 56 balls, including 8 fours and 7 sixes, was the highlight of India’s innings. The 21-year-old reached his century off just 51 balls.
Alongside him, Abhishek Sharma made a vital contribution, scoring 50 off 25 balls with 3 fours and 5 sixes. The pair added 107 runs for the second wicket in just 8.2 overs, helping India recover from the early dismissal of Sanju Samson.
Despite the strong partnership, South Africa fought back with wickets in the middle overs. Keshav Maharaj and Andile Simelane were the pick of the bowlers for South Africa, claiming two wickets each.
Earlier, South Africa captain Aiden Markram won the toss for the third consecutive time in the series and opted to field. Hardik Pandya handed the India cap to debutant Ramandeep Singh before the start of the match.
Markram said, “We are going to bowl first again. The wicket looks good. Not quite at our best. We are making slow progress. The bowlers did a good job in the last game. The batters need to spend time in the middle and not be too desperate. We have full trust in our batting unit and hope we do something special tonight.”
India captain Suryakumar Yadav expressed confidence in his team’s recent performances: “It is okay. We have done well in the last two games while batting first. The boys have come out with clear plans and executing it. I’ve been really happy with that. Just be clear, go out and enjoy yourself.”
Brief Scores:
India: 219/6 in 20 overs (Tilak Varma 107* not out, Abhishek Sharma 50; Keshav Maharaj 2/36, Andile Simelane 2/34)
South Africa: to bat
South Africa (Playing XI): Ryan Rickelton, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (c), Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Marco Jansen, Andile Simelane, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Lutho Sipamla
India (Playing XI): Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakaravarthy
