India Overcomes South Africa to take a 2-1 Series lead and Establishes a Record with their sixth 200-plus total in Twenty20 Internationals

India took a 2-1 lead in the four-match series after defeating South Africa by 11 runs in the third Twenty20 International at SuperSport Park in Centurion. After being invited, India chose to bat first and set a lofty goal of 220. Tilak Varma’s spectacular first T20I century helped them reach 219/6.

In the third Twenty20 International against South Africa at Centurion, India achieved their eighth 200-plus score of the year, the best by any team in a calendar year. The previous record of seven such scores, set by the Birmingham Bears in 2022, India in 2023, and Japan in 2024, was exceeded by India with this accomplishment.

After South Africa won the toss, India was put to bat first and dominated, reaching 219/6 in 20 overs. Tilak Varma stole the show with his first T20I century, smashing 107 off 56 deliveries with eight fours and seven sixes, while Abhishek Sharma played a fast-paced knock of 50 off 25 balls.

Heinrich Klaasen (41 off 22 balls) and Marco Jansen (54 off 17 balls) rallied South Africa with powerful batting in the second innings. But Varun Chakaravarthy’s two wickets and Arshdeep Singh’s tight bowling, which claimed 3/37, enabled India fend off the Proteas and win.

Tilak Varma’s exceptional performance earned him the title of “Player of the Match.” India now leads the four-match series 2-1 with one game remaining after this victory.