Tilak Varma’s fabulous maiden T20I hundred formed the fulcrum of India’s narrow 11-run victory over South Africa in the third match in Centurion on Wednesday. The left-handed batter completed the century in just 51 deliveries.
Varma became the youngest player to score a T20I century against South Africa and the second-youngest Indian player to score a T20I ton only behind Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Abhishek Sharma first started the carnage with his knock of 50 from 25 deliveries before Varma carried India over the 200-run mark and eventually to the mammoth total of 219/6 in 20 overs. The left-hander came out unbeaten on 107, scoring 8 boundaries and 7 sixes.
South Africa started slow never really looked to be in the chase despite Heinrich Klaasen (41) and Marco Jansen (54) trying incredibly hard to take their side through. The Proteas ultimately got restricted to 207/7 in their 20 overs and lost the match.
With this victory, India now take a 2-1 lead and also ensure that they won’t come out on the losing side in the 4-match series. The Men in Blue will now play the series finale against the Proteas which is set to take place in Johannesburg on November 15.
