Thu Nov 14 04:55:35 UTC 2024: ## Tilak Varma’s Century Propels India to Thrilling 11-Run Win Over South Africa
**Centurion, November 14, 2024:** In a nail-biting finish, India secured a thrilling 11-run victory over South Africa in the third T20I, thanks to a sensational century by Tilak Varma, who notched up his maiden international ton.
India, batting first, set a formidable target of 219 runs. Tilak, playing his 19th T20I, spearheaded the innings with a blistering 107 off 57 balls. He shared a crucial 107-run stand for the second wicket with Abhishek Sharma (50 off 25). The pair took the score past 100 in the 9th over before Abhishek was dismissed. Despite losing Suryakumar Yadav (1 off 4) soon after, Tilak continued his onslaught, smashing 8 fours and 7 sixes en route to his century. A late flourish by Ramandeep Singh (15 off 6) saw India reach a mammoth total of 219.
The target seemed daunting for South Africa, but Heinrich Klaasen (41 off 22) and Marco Jansen (54 off 17) launched a fierce counter-attack. Their partnership threatened to swing the match in South Africa’s favor. However, Arshdeep Singh broke the crucial partnership by dismissing Klaasen in the 18th over. He then delivered the final blow in the 20th over by dismissing Jansen, leaving the hosts needing 25 runs off the last over. Despite Marco Jansen’s valiant effort in the 19th over, Arshdeep Singh held his nerve and conceded just 13 runs in the final over, securing India’s victory.
This win gives India a 2-1 lead in the four-match series. The final match will be played in Johannesburg on November 15. Tilak Varma was declared the Player of the Match for his spectacular knock.
First Piper 