The bilateral T20I series between South Africa and India concluded with a spectacular display of batting prowess in the fourth match at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Friday, November 15. This match not only showcased thrilling cricket but also saw numerous records shattered, marking a historic moment for both teams.
A record-breaking spectacle
In a match that will be remembered for its extraordinary performances, India set a staggering total of 283 runs, the highest ever recorded against South Africa and the second-highest T20I score for India. This monumental achievement was largely thanks to the explosive batting of Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma, who both scored centuries. Their partnership of 210 runs for the second wicket stands as the highest-ever partnership for India in T20Is, emphasizing their dominance throughout the innings.
Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma’s individual brilliance shines through
Samson’s innings of 109 runs off 56 balls and Varma’s 120 runs off just 47 balls were not just match-winning performances; they were record-setting feats. Samson became the first player in history to score three T20I centuries in a single calendar year, while Varma made his mark as the second Indian to achieve back-to-back centuries in T20Is. Their remarkable ability to score quickly was evident as they propelled India to its fastest 200 runs in T20I history, reaching this milestone in just 14.1 overs.
Also READ: SA vs IND: Fans go mad as Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma hit dazzling tons in the 4th T20I
SA vs IND, 4th T20I: List of major records broken
Here’s a comprehensive look at each record broken during this historic match.
- Highest total against South Africa: 283 runs
India’s total of 283 runs stands as the highest ever recorded against South Africa in T20Is. This remarkable feat surpassed the previous record held by the West Indies, who scored 258 runs against South Africa in Centurion in 2023. This achievement underscores India’s batting prowess, particularly in challenging conditions, and marks their second-highest T20I score overall, following their record of 297 against Bangladesh earlier in 2024.
- Biggest victory margin: 135 runs
India’s victory by 135 runs is now the largest win by any team against South Africa in terms of runs in T20Is. This record not only highlights India’s dominance in this match but also reflects their ability to perform under pressure, showcasing a complete team effort with both bat and ball.
- Record partnership: 210 Runs for the second wicket
The partnership between Samson and Varma, which totalled 210 runs, is the highest for any wicket for India in T20Is. This partnership also marks the highest second-wicket stand in T20I history, demonstrating their exceptional synergy and ability to build an innings effectively. Their performance was pivotal in setting up a formidable total for South Africa to chase.
- Samson’s historic achievement
In a remarkable individual performance, Samson scored 109 not out, making him the first player ever to score three T20I centuries within a single calendar year. This milestone reflects his consistency and ability to perform at the highest level throughout the year, solidifying his place as one of the premier batters in the format.
- Varma’s Back-to-Back Centuries
Varma’s score of 120 not out made him only the second Indian player to achieve back-to-back centuries in T20Is, following in the footsteps of his teammate Samson. This accomplishment highlights his rapid rise as a key player for India and showcases his potential for future contributions to the team.
- First pair from full member nations to score centuries together
Samson and Varma made history as the first pair from full member nations to score centuries in the same T20I innings. This record emphasizes their exceptional performance and adds another layer of significance to their partnership during this match.
- Most sixes in an Innings: 23 Sixes
The match saw a total of 23 sixes hit by India, marking it as the most sixes ever recorded in a T20I innings between two full member nations. This explosive hitting included Varma’s ten sixes and Samson’s nine, showcasing their aggressive batting style and ability to clear the boundary consistently.
- Varun Chakravarthy’s wicket record
Bowler Varun Chakravarthy achieved a significant milestone by taking 12 wickets throughout this bilateral T20I series, setting a new record for the most wickets taken by an Indian bowler in such a series. His effective bowling was crucial in restricting South Africa during their innings.
India’s victory by 135 runs not only secured them a 3-1 series win but also highlighted their batting depth and capability to perform under pressure. The fourth T20I will be remembered as a landmark event where records fell like dominoes, showcasing the thrilling potential of T20 cricket. With such performances, both Samson and Varma have firmly established themselves as key players for India moving forward, leaving fans eager for what’s next on the international stage.