Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma press conference | South Africa vs India 4th T20 Johannesburg | IND vs SA T20

India Secures Third-Biggest T20I Victory by Runs

India dismantled South Africa in the 4th T20I at The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, with a commanding 135-run victory. This triumph ranks as India’s third-largest T20I win by runs, following a 168-run win over New Zealand earlier in 2023 and a 143-run victory against Ireland in 2018. South Africa, on the other hand, recorded their worst T20I defeat at home, with their 148-run total falling woefully short of India’s towering 283/1.

Match Summary: Indian Batting Domination

After winning the toss, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav opted to bat, a decision that was vindicated by an explosive batting display. Sanju Samson (109* off 56) and Tilak Varma (120* off 47) showcased incredible firepower, setting up a monumental score of 283/1. Abhishek Sharma contributed a brisk 36 before falling in the fifth over. Samson and Varma stitched together an unbeaten 210-run partnership, peppered with boundaries and towering sixes.

Key Batting Stats:

• Sanju Samson: 109* (56 balls, 6 fours, 9 sixes, SR 194.64)
• Tilak Varma: 120* (47 balls, 9 fours, 10 sixes, SR 255.32)

South Africa’s bowlers struggled to contain the Indian onslaught, with every bowler conceding heavily. Lutho Sipamla (4-58) and Marco Jansen (4-40) were the most economical but could not create breakthroughs.

South Africa’s Reply Crumbles Under Indian Spin

South Africa’s innings never got going, collapsing to 148 all out in 18.2 overs. Arshdeep Singh struck early, dismissing both Reeza Hendricks and Aiden Markram in quick succession. Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel capitalized on the pressure, claiming two wickets each. David Miller’s 36 and Marco Jansen’s 29 provided brief resistance, but the batting order faltered against disciplined bowling.

Key Bowling Stats:

• Arshdeep Singh: 3-20 (3 overs)
• Varun Chakaravarthy: 2-22 (4 overs)
• Axar Patel: 3-20 (2 overs)

Tilak Varma: Player of the Match and Series

Tilak Varma’s match-winning performance earned him both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards. Across the series, his consistent batting and contributions in the field underscored his growing stature in international cricket.

Press Conference Highlights

At the post-match press conference, Suryakumar Yadav praised the team’s all-round performance. "This victory is a testament to the hard work put in by the players. Sanju and Tilak were outstanding with the bat, and the bowlers executed our plans perfectly," he said.

Tilak Varma expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play in key roles. "I’ve been working hard on my batting, and to contribute in such a big way feels amazing. The support from the senior players and coaching staff has been incredible," he added.

India’s Bowling Dominance in the Series

India’s spinners were pivotal throughout the series, boasting exceptional economy rates in challenging conditions. Across four matches, they picked up 20 wickets, demonstrating control and variety in their attack.

Record-Breaking Rivalry

This victory marked India’s 18th T20I win over South Africa, making them the most successful team against the Proteas in the format. They surpassed Australia’s 17 wins in just 25 matches, further solidifying their dominance.