India registered a resounding 135-run victory over South Africa in the fourth and final T20 International to clinch the series 3-1. Batting first, India posted a mammoth 283/1, powered by centuries from Tilak Varma (120 not out off 47 balls) and Sanju Samson (109 not out off 56 balls). In reply, South Africa was bowled out for just 148 in 18.2 overs, as India’s bowlers delivered clinical performances across the board.
Record-Breaking Batting Display by Samson and Varma
This match saw two Indian batters score centuries in the same T20I innings for the first time ever. Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma made the Proteas bowlers toil as they dominated the South African attack. This partnership of 210 runs for the second wicket was also the highest-ever T20I partnership for India. Samson, who had already scored a century in the first game of the series, followed it up with another stunning knock, smashing 9 sixes in the process. Varma, who has been in sensational form, hit 10 sixes, completing his century in just 41 balls, 10 balls faster than Samson.
The Indian duo took full advantage of a true batting track with a bounce that allowed them to clear the boundary with ease. India’s total of 283/1 is not only their highest in T20Is but also the highest-ever T20I total on South African soil. The Indian batters hit 23 sixes in total, including 10 from Varma and 9 from Samson, as they toyed with the South African bowlers.
A Brutal Assault on the South African Bowlers
The South African bowlers had no answer to the onslaught. While Gerald Coetzee, South Africa’s best pacer, seemed to be carrying a niggle, Andile Simelane (0/47 in 3 overs) and Lutho Sipamla (1/58 in 4 overs) were hit for 10 sixes alone. The Indians took full advantage, smashing the medium pacers all over the ground. Even Keshav Maharaj and Tristan Stubbs were not spared as Varma and Samson punished every loose delivery.
South Africa’s bowling attack lacked variety and pace variations, and they bowled 17 wides in an attempt to stem the run flow. Samson and Varma’s aggression, combined with the South African bowlers’ inability to adjust, resulted in a brutal batting display.
South Africa’s Struggle in Response
In response, South Africa’s chase never really got going. Tristan Stubbs top-scored for the Proteas with 46 runs, while David Miller contributed 36. However, India’s bowlers, led by Arshdeep Singh, who claimed 3 wickets for 20 runs, ensured that South Africa was never in contention. Varun Chakravarthy (2/42) and Axar Patel (2/6) also played key roles with the ball, while Hardik Pandya, Ramandeep Singh, and Ravi Bishnoi picked up a wicket each.
India’s Clinical Bowling Performance
India’s bowlers, led by Arshdeep Singh‘s brilliant spell, bowled with precision and discipline, restricting South Africa to 148 all out in just 18.2 overs. The South African chase was stifled early, and despite some resistance from Stubbs and Miller, India was always in control of the game.
Brief Scores:
- India: 283/1 in 20 overs (Sanju Samson 109* off 56 balls, Tilak Varma 120* off 47 balls; Lutho Sipamla 1/58)
- South Africa: 148 all out in 18.2 overs (Tristan Stubbs 46, David Miller 36; Arshdeep Singh 3/20)
