India claimed an 11-run win over South Africa in the third T20I on Wednesday in Centurion, taking a 2-1 lead in the four-match series. Thanks to Arshdeep Singh’s three-wicket spell and Tilak Varma’s unbeaten century, India held their ground in a thrilling finish.

South Africa Begins Strongly but Arshdeep Strikes Early

At the start, South Africa appeared steady in their chase. Openers Ryan Rickelton (20 off 15) and Reeza Hendricks (21 off 13) contributed a solid 27-run stand. However, Arshdeep Singh soon broke through, dismissing Rickelton and immediately shifting the momentum toward India.

Meanwhile, South African captain Aiden Markram tried to counterattack, scoring 29 runs off 18 balls. Yet, Varun Chakaravarthy managed to dismiss him in the 10th over, keeping South Africa under pressure.

Klaasen and Jansen Reignite South Africa’s Hopes

With runs needed quickly, Heinrich Klaasen stepped up, delivering a fiery 41 off 22 balls that included four sixes and a four. He smashed 23 runs in a single over, briefly igniting South Africa’s chase. Still, Arshdeep struck again, removing the dangerous Klaasen, thereby halting South Africa’s progress.

Even so, Marco Jansen continued the fight with a blistering 54 off just 17 balls, hitting four fours and five sixes. His quick runs kept South Africa in contention. Nonetheless, Arshdeep returned to dismiss Jansen, effectively sealing India’s control. Despite South Africa’s efforts in the final overs, they ultimately fell short, finishing at 208/7.

Arshdeep and Chakaravarthy Lead India’s Bowling

Arshdeep Singh led India’s bowling with three critical wickets, conceding only 37 runs in his four-over spell. Meanwhile, Varun Chakaravarthy provided solid support, taking two wickets that tightened India’s hold on the game.

Tilak Varma Anchors India’s Batting with a Century

After losing the toss, India was sent in to bat first. Although South Africa struck early as Marco Jansen dismissed Sanju Samson on the second ball, India responded well. Abhishek Sharma (50 off 25) joined Tilak Varma, and together, they built a 107-run partnership, crucially setting up India’s innings.

Abhishek reached his fifty in the ninth over but, on the very next ball, fell to Keshav Maharaj. Subsequently, South Africa managed to remove Suryakumar Yadav (1 off 4) and Hardik Pandya (18 off 16) fairly quickly, with Simelane and Maharaj claiming these wickets.

Tilak Varma’s Century Pushes India Past 200

Despite these dismissals, Tilak Varma continued to anchor the innings, scoring an unbeaten 107. He partnered with Rinku Singh, adding 58 more runs. Although Rinku fell for 8 runs in the 18th over, Ramandeep Singh (15 off 6) provided a final push, helping India reach 219/6 by the end.

Match Summary

Overall, Andile Simelane and Keshav Maharaj led South Africa’s bowling, each claiming two wickets. However, India’s formidable batting lineup had set a challenging target that South Africa could not quite chase down.

Brief Score:

India: 219/6 (Tilak Varma 107*, Abhishek Sharma 50; Andile Simelane 2/34)
South Africa: 208/7 (Marco Jansen 54, Heinrich Klaasen 41; Arshdeep Singh 3/37)

With this win, India takes a strong 2-1 lead in the series, with one final match left to play.