IND vs SA 4th T20 - Player Analysis: Tilak Varma's consecutive centuries secure series victory for India against South Africa (3-1)

India showcased a dominant performance to seal a 3-1 series win over South Africa with a thumping 135-run victory at the Wanderers Stadium. Opting to bat first after Suryakumar Yadav finally won the toss, the visitors set the stage for a historic game. Openers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson got India off to a flying start, with Abhishek smashing a quickfire 36 off 18 before falling. Tilak Varma, promoted to his preferred number three spot, then took center stage alongside Samson. The duo unleashed a brutal assault on the Proteas bowlers, putting up a record-breaking 210-run partnership. Both batters brought up scintillating centuries as India amassed a colossal 283/1 in their 20 overs, leaving the hosts with a mountain to climb.

In reply, South Africa's chase unraveled from the outset, courtesy of a lethal display of swing bowling by Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya. Arshdeep dismantled the top order, removing Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, and Aiden Markram in quick succession, while Hardik chipped in by dismissing Ryan Rickelton. With four wickets down for just 10 runs in three overs, the Proteas were left in tatters. The Indian bowlers maintained relentless pressure, with spinners Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel striking in the middle overs, and the rest of the attack contributing wickets. South Africa eventually folded for 148 in 18.4 overs. Arshdeep finished with three scalps, while every bowler picked up at least one wicket in a clinical all-round effort that capped off a remarkable series win for India.

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Breakdown of Tilak Varma's 120 Knock