India Post 219/6, South Africa Fall Short at 208/7 in Thrilling Chase

Tilak Varma’s brilliant century guided India to an 11-run victory over South Africa in the third T20I at Supersport Park, ensuring they cannot lose the four-match series. India posted 219 for 6, with Tilak scoring 107 off 51 balls, becoming the second youngest centurion for India after Yashasvi Jaiswal. He shared key partnerships, including a 107-run stand with Abhishek Sharma (50), and a 58-run partnership with Rinku Singh, contributing 45 in that stand.

South Africa, in pursuit of 220, never quite got going. Their chase was hindered by early setbacks and a lack of control in the bowling, with 10 wides and three no-balls adding to their woes. Despite a valiant effort from Marco Jansen (54) and a solid partnership between Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller, who added 58 off 35 balls, they fell short, finishing at 208 for 7.

With the required rate climbing to 17 runs an over in the final five, a stunning catch by Axar Patel at deep mid-wicket sent Miller packing, and South Africa’s hopes of levelling the series faded. India now lead 2-1, with one match left to play on Friday. South Africa, who haven’t won a bilateral T20I series since August 2022, will be looking for answers after another disappointing chase.