India Lead 2-1 in the 4-Match T20 Series Against South Africa: Tilak Varma Stars with a Century in Thrilling Win

India took a 2-1 lead in the four-match T20 series against South Africa with a thrilling 11-run victory in the third match, thanks to an outstanding century from debutant Tilak Varma. The target set by India was 220 runs, and while South Africa’s Marco Jansen played a brilliant cameo scoring 54 runs, they fell just short, finishing at 208/9. India sealed the win in the final over, with Arshdeep Singh dismissing Jansen to clinch an exciting victory.

In a dramatic and record-breaking match at SuperSport Park, India emerged victorious while the hosts were left to rue missed opportunities. Batting first, India scored 219 runs for the loss of 6 wickets. Tilak Varma, in a sensational knock, remained unbeaten on 107 off just 56 balls, marking his career-best performance in international cricket.

With Tilak's maiden T20 century, India set a target of 220 runs. South Africa’s chase got off to a rocky start, as they lost 4 wickets within the first 10 overs, managing only 84 runs. However, a partnership between David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen helped rebuild the innings, adding 58 runs for the fifth wicket. Despite a slow-paced knock, Miller could not do much, scoring only 18 runs. Klaasen, who looked dangerous with 4 sixes, was dismissed for 41 runs off 22 balls by Arshdeep Singh.

The game took an intense turn when Marco Jansen took charge with an explosive cameo. In the 19th over, bowled by Hardik Pandya, Jansen smashed 2 sixes and 3 fours to score 26 runs. He reached his half-century off just 16 balls, hitting his fifth six in the second delivery of the final over.

To win, South Africa needed 18 runs from the last 4 balls. However, Jansen’s impressive knock came to an end in the very next delivery, as he was trapped LBW by Arshdeep Singh. Although the on-field umpire initially gave it not out, India successfully reviewed the decision. Jansen’s 54 off 17 balls ended South Africa’s hopes, and they were all out for 208, losing by 11 runs. Andile Phehlukwayo and Gerald Coetzee could only add 6 more runs between them, bringing an end to South Africa's chase.

Despite strong efforts from Klaasen and Jansen, South Africa could not pull off the victory. With the 11-run win, India now leads the series 2-1, ensuring they will not lose the series. If India wins the next match, they will claim the series, while a loss would leave the series drawn.