Team India hammered South Africa by 135 runs in the fourth and final T20I match in Johannesburg on Friday (November 15) to clinch the series 3-1.
Riding on unbeaten hundreds from Tilak Varma (120* off 47) and Sanju Samson (109* off 56), the Men in Blue racked up a mammoth 283/1 in their allotted 20 overs.
In reply, the Proteas innings folded for 148 in 18.2 overs. It was a listless batting display as no one managed to touch the 50-run mark.
Arshdeep Singh starred with the ball for India, claiming three wickets by conceding 20 runs in his three overs. Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy picked up two scalps each while Hardik Pandya, Ravi Bishnoi and Ramandeep Singh returned with wicket apiece.
After the game, India skipper Suryakumar Yadav revealed that there were no particular secrets behind their clinical performance against South Africa.
“There’s no secret to adapting to the conditions. Our plans were very clear as soon as we landed in Durban. Though we were up 2-1 in the series, today we wanted to follow good habits and not worry about the result," Surya said while speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony.
“It happened naturally. It’s very difficult for me to choose one good knock from them, we spoke about that and they walked the talk," he added.
Suryakumar further mentioned that they had an idea regarding how the wicket would behave in the second innings. He also suggested that the confidence the side has is at an all-time high since winning the T20 World Cup 2024.
“When we toured last year, we knew there was something in this wicket once the lights were on and the temperature dropped. It gives a big boost if you are winning any ICC tournament. It was difficult to sum up what went through our minds when we won there," Surya remarked.
“It is very challenging when we tour South Africa, this is a special win and will stay with me forever," he added.
The captain, who was sat in the dugout with the coaches, shared that the team management was just enjoying the batting masterclass shown by both Samson and Tilak.
“They (coaching staff) were sitting and enjoying the show, they spoke to the boys and said whatever you want, you do, we will sit and enjoy. Even today, they say if you want to bat first and put runs on the board, do it," he concluded.
