India Creates History in Johannesburg with Record-Breaking T20I Performance

Johannesburg, November 16 – India scripted history in the fourth T20I against South Africa by posting a massive total of 283 runs, the highest T20I score ever recorded in South Africa. The achievement was powered by scintillating centuries from Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson, making India only the third international team, after the Czech Republic and Japan, to have two batters score centuries in a single T20I inning.

India’s innings featured 23 sixes, the third-highest number of sixes in a T20I inning and the highest in a match between two full-member teams. Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson also broke records with their unbroken 210-run partnership, now the highest for any wicket in T20Is for India.

Tilak Varma smashed an explosive 120 runs off just 47 balls, becoming only the second Indian to score consecutive T20I centuries and the fifth player overall in T20I history to achieve this milestone. Meanwhile, Sanju Samson scored 109 off 56 balls, marking his third century in his last five T20Is.

Match Highlights

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and opted to bat first. Openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma gave India a strong start, building a 73-run partnership. Abhishek contributed a quickfire 36 runs off 18 balls, hitting 2 fours and 4 sixes, before being dismissed by Lutho Sipamla in the sixth over.

Following Abhishek's dismissal, Samson and Tilak took charge, launching an assault on South African bowlers. Samson reached his century in just 51 balls in the 18th over, followed by Tilak completing his century in the next over. Their record-breaking partnership of 210 runs propelled India to a commanding 283/1 in 20 overs. Samson ended with 109 runs off 51 balls, while Tilak remained unbeaten with 120 runs off 47 balls.

In response, South Africa struggled under the pressure of the mammoth target and were bowled out for 148 in 19 overs. Tristan Stubbs top-scored with 43 runs off 29 balls, including 3 fours and 2 sixes, while David Miller contributed 36 off 27 balls with 2 fours and 3 sixes. Despite their efforts, the hosts fell short by 135 runs.

India’s remarkable performance sets a new benchmark in T20I cricket and underscores their dominance in the shortest format of the game.