Even though the defeat tasted its way into the South African team in the third T20I against India, Skipper Aiden Markram expressed pride over the team’s efforts to make a comeback into the game. Arshdeep Singh’s three wickets and Tilak Varma’s unbeaten century grounded India to an 11-run victory over South Africa in the third T20I of the four-match series at SuperSport Park on Wednesday.
Markram: “Proud of the effort to get that close. It was great to see contributions from the lower order. It came down to executing what we discussed. This ground is one where you can chase 220. If you win those crucial overs, you have a good chance. We’ll focus on areas to improve for the next game.
South Africa won the toss and opted to bowl first. India managed 219/6 in their 20 overs, riding on Abhishek Sharma, who provided them with a vehement start as he made 50 runs off 25 balls, laced with 3 fours and 5 sixes. Later, Tilak Varma played an innings of 107* runs in 56 balls, which included 8 fours and 7 sixes. Despite the solid partnership at the top of the order, India’s middle and lower order failed to build more substantial runs.
Among the bowlers, for South Africa, it was Andile Simelane and Keshav Maharaj who stole the show with two scalps apiece in their respective spells.
In reply, the chase for South Africa was opened by Heinrich Klaasen. Playing 41 runs in 22 balls with 1 four and 4 sixes. Then came a strong knock from Marco Jansen. As he played 54 runs in a mere 17 balls with 4 fours and 5 sixes. Together, they kept the Proteas in the hunt for most of the chase. However, it was in the final overs that the bowlers of India took their nervousness away.
Able support came from Arshdeep Singh, who came away with three important wickets for only 37 runs from his spell of four overs. Including some important breakthroughs in both the powerplay and death overs. Supporting him was Varun Chakaravarthy, who also had two scalps in his spell.
In the end, India held on to win by 11 runs. Markram credited the fight from his team. And promised his unit to be better ahead of the fourth and final T20I in Johannesburg this Friday.
ANI