India closed their T20I series against South Africa in sensational style, posting a record-breaking total of 283/1 in 20 overs before cruising to a commanding 135-run victory in the fourth and final match at the Wanderers Stadium on Friday.
The win helped India seal the series 3-1, ending their tour on a high note. The visitors’ innings was built around Sanju Samson (109* off 56 balls) and Tilak Varma (120* off 47 balls), who were unstoppable in a partnership that dominated the South African bowlers.
The pair’s explosive batting turned the match into a run-fest. Their combined effort included 15 sixes and 15 fours, with Varma’s strike rate an astonishing 255.31, while Samson maintained an equally remarkable 194.64.
The South African bowlers had no answers to the onslaught, with Lutho Sipamla (1/58) and Gerald Coetzee (0/43) struggling to contain the Indian batters.
Despite a brief glimmer of hope when Abhishek Sharma (36 off 18 balls) was dismissed, India’s total surged, leaving the hosts with an insurmountable target.
In reply, South Africa’s chase crumbled under the weight of India’s huge score.
The home side dismissed for just 148 in 18.2 overs as India’s bowlers led by Arshdeep Singh (3/20), Varun Chakravarthy (2/42), and Axar Patel (2/6) had decimated the South African batting order.
Ryan Rickelton, Reeza Hendricks and Heinrich Klaasen were all dismissed cheaply, with Tristan Stubbs (43) and David Miller (36) the only significant contributors for the Proteas.
Despite a late flurry from Marco Jansen (29* off 12 balls), South Africa could not recover from an early collapse, with India’s bowlers maintaining tight lines and getting crucial wickets at regular intervals.
India’s dominant performance in the match was also reflected in individual honors with Tilak Varma named "player of the match for his blistering 120 and "player of the series" for his overall outstanding contributions across the four games.
