In the high-scoring, one-sided affair, India outclassed South Africa at the Wanderers, Johannesburg, to win the fourth T20I by 135 runs and clinch the series by a 3-1 margin. Hundreds from Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma propelled India to a mammoth total of 283/1, which was defended with utmost ease, courtesy of a brilliant new-ball spell by Arshdeep Singh, who bagged three wickets to rattle South Africa’s top order.
For Sanju to score big, all he needed to do was play out the new-ball spell of Marco Jansen. Once he did that, there was no stopping him. The South African bowlers persisted with length deliveries, and Sanju, positioned deep in his crease, unleashed powerful shots square on both sides of the wicket. When the bowlers pitched it up, he stepped forward and effortlessly cleared the 80-metre boundaries. His innings was a masterclass in clean, effortless ball-striking as he dismantled the bowling attack with ease.
Pace or spin, it made no difference to Sanju’s approach. However, the spotlight eventually shifted to Tilak, who continued to impress after being promoted to No. 3. The southpaw stole the show, matching Sanju stroke for stroke in a thrilling contest between the two batters. As they raced toward their centuries, Tilak edged ahead, dominating the strike in the latter stages. Both batters ultimately reached their milestones, putting on a record-breaking unbeaten 210-run partnership off just 93 balls, a performance that will be remembered for years to come.
Once again, the inexperience of the South African pacers was evident as they struggled with consistency in their lines and lengths, often bowling either too full or too short. Adding to their woes, the fielding was subpar, with several dropped catches that provided little support to their bowlers. The Proteas appeared sloppy and lacklustre in both bowling and fielding.
The chase was always going to be challenging, and the scoreboard pressure was evident in the approach of the Proteas batters. Arshdeep made an early impact, swinging the ball both ways and turning the game in his team’s favour during the Powerplay. His two inswingers dismissed Reeza Hendricks and Heinrich Klaasen, while an outswinger accounted for Aiden Markram, leaving the opposition reeling at 10/4.
An 86-run partnership between Tristan Stubbs and David Miller provided a glimmer of hope but it was only a temporary respite. Both batters fell in quick succession as the required run rate climbed beyond reach. The spinners then wrapped up the game efficiently, sealing a dominant victory.