India ended their amazing year in T20 cricket on a high note, dominating South Africa in the fourth and final match of their T20I series held on November 15, in Johannesburg. Batting first, India set a massive total of 283 runs in 20 overs, thanks to remarkable centuries from Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson. The Indian bowlers then restricted South Africa to just 148 runs, clinching a commanding 135-run victory and securing a series win of 3-1.
Arshdeep Singh was the standout bowler, showcasing an impressive bowling display that earned him three wickets and put South Africa’s top order on the back foot. He skillfully moved the ball both ways, leaving the South African batters struggling. The hosts stumbled early, finding themselves at a dire 10 for 4 before they could stabilize. Hardik Pandya also contributed significantly with the ball, while Varun Chakravarthy took two key wickets, even though he was a bit expensive in his spells.
Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson made history by becoming the first batting pair from a Test-playing nation to score centuries in the same T20I match. Their exciting partnership of 210 runs came in just 86 balls, propelling India to their highest total in away games.
In 2024, India transformed their approach to T20 cricket, beginning with former captain Rohit Sharma who led a new era of aggressive batting. This fearless style allowed Indian batters to express their skills fully. The change proved successful as India clinched the T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies earlier that June.
Suryakumar Yadav, who took over as captain from Rohit Sharma, continued with this aggressive mindset, and it paid off. Indians managed to outshine South Africa in their own backyard, marking the fourth time they’ve won a T20I series in South Africa. By the end of the year, India boasted an impressive record of 24 wins from 26 matches in T20 internationals.
The explosive batting continued in the final match as Yadav won the toss and decided to bat first on a pitch known to favor batsmen. Although the first over was slow, with just four runs, the Indian batsmen quickly turned up the heat, delivering a thrilling display of power hitting.
