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NEW DELHI: Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma delivered sensational centuries as India crushed South Africa by 135 runs in Johannesburg on Friday, sealing the four-match T20I series 3-1 and handing the hosts their heaviest-ever defeat in the format.
Opting to bat first, India amassed a colossal 283/1 in 20 overs before skittling South Africa for 148, showcasing dominance in every aspect of the game.
Samson smashed his third T20I century in five innings, hammering an unbeaten 109 off 56 balls despite scoring ducks in the other two games. Tilak continued his remarkable form, slamming his second consecutive T20I ton with a blistering 120* off 47 balls, featuring 10 sixes.
The duo combined for a record-breaking 210-run partnership for the second wicket off just 85 balls, dismantling South Africa’s bowling attack and sending the ball flying to all corners of the ground.
India’s bowlers then piled on the misery, with Arshdeep Singh (3/20) and Hardik Pandya (1/8) reducing the hosts to 10/4 early on. Using the movement off the pitch that South Africa’s bowlers failed to exploit, India effectively ended the contest in the powerplay. Tristan Stubbs was the only bright spot for the home side, top-scoring with 43 off 29 balls. South Africa’s previous biggest T20I defeat was by 111 runs against Australia last year.
After the commanding win, captain Suryakumar Yadav praised Tilak, Samson, and Abhishek Sharma for their performances.
“There’s no secret to adapting to the conditions and situations. Our plans were very clear as soon as we landed in Durban. Last time when we came here, we played the same brand of cricket and wanted to continue that. Though we were up 2-1 in the series, today we wanted to follow the good habits and not worry about the result. It happened naturally,” Suryakumar said after India won the series 3-1.
“[on Tilak, Samson and Abhishek’s batting today] It’s very difficult for me to choose one good knock from them, it was amazing batting skills displayed by them. We spoke about that and they literally walked the talk. When we toured last year, we knew there was something in this wicket once the lights were on and the temperature dropped. We just followed that, stuck to our lines and the result was right in front of us. It gives a big boost if you are winning any ICC tournament, winning from where we won. It was difficult to sum up what goes through our minds when we won there. It is very challenging when we tour South Africa, to come and win here, this is a special win and will stay with me forever,” he said.
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