Fri Nov 15 23:50:15 IST 2024: **India Shatters Records, South Africa Faces Mountainous Chase in 4th T20I**
Johannesburg, South Africa – India piled on a record-breaking 283 runs in the fourth T20I against South Africa, leaving the hosts facing a near-impossible chase. Centuries from Sanju Samson (100 off 51 balls) and Tilak Varma (100 off 41 balls) formed the backbone of India’s dominant display, their 210-run partnership setting a new record for the highest ever third-wicket stand in T20I history.
Samson’s innings marked his third century in five matches and his second in the series, a remarkable comeback after two consecutive ducks. Varma, promoted to number three, equally impressed with his blistering knock, becoming the third-fastest Indian to reach a T20I century. The pair mercilessly punished the South African bowlers, hitting 23 sixes between them.
India’s total also broke their own record for the highest T20I score ever recorded in South Africa. The South African bowlers struggled throughout, with only Marco Simelane managing to take a single wicket. Tristan Stubbs’ introduction to the attack proved costly, as Samson punished him for 21 runs in a single over.
In contrast, South Africa’s innings started disastrously. Arshdeep Singh bowled a devastating spell, taking three wickets in his opening three overs, including a near hat-trick, reducing the hosts to 10/4. While Tristan Stubbs and David Miller attempted a recovery, the damage had already been done, leaving South Africa with a monumental task ahead. At the end of the powerplay, South Africa had limped to 30/4, setting the stage for a likely Indian victory.
First Piper 