Suryakumar Yadav-led Team India delivered a stunning batting display, leaving South Africa reeling in the fourth and final T20I at the Wanderers. Powered by Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma’s explosive centuries, India posted a monumental 283/1, setting numerous records in the process and clinching the four-match series 3-1.
Sanju Samson (109* off 56) and Tilak Varma (120* off 47) showcased their destructive form, smashing a combined 19 sixes and forging a 210-run second-wicket stand off just 93 balls—the highest second-wicket partnership in T20I history and the sixth-highest for any wicket in the format. India’s innings included 23 sixes, the joint-third highest in a T20I innings, trailing Zimbabwe’s record of 27 sixes against Gambia in October 2024.
The duo’s blitzkrieg also propelled India to their second-highest T20I total ever, surpassing the 280-run mark for the first time since their record 297 against Bangladesh earlier this year. Notably, India raced past the 200-run mark in just 14.1 overs, registering the third-fastest 200 in T20I history.
Historic Centuries and Records
Samson’s century marked his third T20I ton in 2024, making him the first player to achieve three T20I centuries in a calendar year. Meanwhile, the 22-year-old Tilak Varma smashed his second consecutive T20I hundred, joining the elite list of players to achieve back-to-back tons, including Sanju Samson, Gustav Mckeon (France), Rilee Rossouw (South Africa), and Phil Salt (England).
This match also marked the first instance of two individual centuries in a T20I between full-member nations and only the third such occurrence in T20I history.
Dominant Finish
Earlier in the innings, Abhishek Sharma laid the foundation with a quick-fire 36 off 18 balls. Opting to bat first, India capitalized on their strong start and continued the onslaught throughout the innings.
In response, South Africa crumbled under the scoreboard pressure, managing just 148 runs. Arshdeep Singh starred with the ball, claiming three wickets to seal India’s commanding 135-run victory.
With this win, India also posted the highest T20I total against South Africa, surpassing West Indies’ 258/3 in Centurion in 2023. Samson and Tilak’s heroics ensured India ended the series on a high, cementing their dominance in the shortest format.