Varma's century leads India to T20 victory over South Africa as flying ants interrupt play

Tilak Varma, aged 22, achieved his first international century as India triumphed over South Africa by 11 runs in the third Twenty20 international held at SuperSport Park on Wednesday.

The left-handed batsman scored an impressive 107 not out from 56 deliveries, contributing to India's total of 219 for 6.

South Africa managed to score 208 for 7, resulting in India securing a 2-1 lead in the four-match series.

"I have been anticipating this moment for a long time, especially after returning from injury," Varma stated during an interview with host broadcaster SuperSport, referring to a hand injury that limited his participation in 2024.

Varma exemplified the "fearless cricket" philosophy promoted by captain Suryakumar Yadav.

Elevated to the number three position in the batting lineup, he faced the third delivery of the match after Sanju Samson was dismissed for a second consecutive duck by Marco Jansen.

He quickly adopted an aggressive approach, striking the second and third balls he faced from Jansen for a boundary and a six, initiating an innings that featured eight fours and seven sixes.

"I was simply focused on seizing the opportunity to bat at number three and wanted to showcase my skills," he remarked.

"We executed the style of cricket we aimed to play," Suryakumar noted, adding that Varma had requested the batting promotion.

"He made the request and delivered on it," the captain affirmed.

Fellow left-handed batsman Abhishek Sharma also displayed aggression, scoring 50 runs off 25 balls, including three fours and five sixes, in a second-wicket partnership of 107 runs off 52 balls with Varma.

The South African innings was interrupted just after the first over due to a swarm of flying ants, causing a delay of nearly 30 minutes.

Upon their return, India's spinners effectively curtailed the run-rate during the middle overs. However, the home team remained competitive due to Marco Jansen's remarkable innings of 54 runs off just 17 balls, alongside Heinrich Klaasen's contribution of 41 runs from 22 deliveries.

Klaasen notably struck three consecutive sixes off the leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who had been India's most effective bowler in the initial two matches.

Jansen achieved a rapid half-century in just 16 balls before being dismissed leg before wicket by left-arm opening bowler Arshdeep Singh on the third delivery of the final over.

Under pressure from Abhishek and Varma, South Africa committed three no-balls and 10 wides, which ultimately became the decisive factor in the match, as India managed to bowl only one wide.

SportsLigue