India vs South Africa 2024: India withstand late surge from Marco Jansen to take 2-1 series lead

New Delhi: India clinched a nail-biting 11-run victory in the third T20I against South Africa on Wednesday. Youngster Tilak Varma notched up his maiden international century to propel India to a commanding total of 219 runs. Arshdeep Singh's exceptional bowling display played a crucial role in securing the win for India and giving them a 2-1 lead in the four-match series.

Following a surprising defeat in the second game, India bounced back strongly with a dominant all-round performance at SuperSport Park in Centurion. Heinrich Klaasen and Marco Jansen launched aggressive cameos in the final overs, bringing the game close, but India held their nerve to secure an unassailable 2-1 lead in the series.

Tilak Varma was the standout performer for India, top-scoring with 107 runs off 56 balls. Arshdeep Singh also played a crucial role, taking three wickets for 37 runs, including the key dismissals of Marco Jansen and Heinrich Klaasen, to leave the home fans heartbroken.

India gave a debut to batting all-rounder Ramandeep Singh, who replaced Avesh Khan in the playing eleven. Aiden Markram’s decision to bowl first paid off early as Marco Jansen dismissed Sanju Samson for a duck in the very first over.

However, India quickly regained control as Tilak Varma and Abhishek Sharma took charge, dominating the first half of the game. The young pair put together a strong 107-run partnership for the opening wicket, with Abhishek smashing 50 runs off just 25 balls and Tilak scoring his maiden international century.

South Africa tried to mount a comeback by picking up quick wickets, including Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Rinku Singh. However, debutant Ramandeep Singh provided a crucial late burst, smashing 15 off just six balls to help India post a total of over 200. Andile Simelane and Keshav Maharaj each took two wickets, while Marco Jansen claimed one for the Proteas.

Indian bowlers made an early impact in the second half, asserting control over the game. Arshdeep Singh provided India with a breakthrough, dismissing Ryan Rickelton in the third over. South Africa’s innings then faltered as they struggled against India’s spin attack, further dampening their chase.

In-form Varun Chakravarthy put India in a commanding position with key wickets, dismissing Aiden Markram and Reeza Hendricks. However, Klaasen took control with a blistering 41 off 22 balls, and Marco Jansen’s rapid maiden T20I fifty off just 16 balls brought the hosts close. Despite their efforts, South Africa fell short, and India held on to secure the win.