India Sets New T20 World Record with a Thrilling Victory Over South Africa

In an electrifying T20 International match in Centurion, Team India defeated South Africa by a narrow margin of 11 runs, taking an unbeatable 2-1 lead in the four-match series. This victory wasn’t just a series clincher; it was also historic as India set a new world record for the most 200-plus totals in a calendar year in T20s, an achievement that underlines the team’s extraordinary batting form in 2024.

India’s Power-Packed Innings

Sent in to bat first, India put up an imposing score of 219/6, their eighth 200-plus total of the year – a record-breaking feat that no other team has managed in a single calendar year. This eclipsed India’s own record of seven such totals in 2023. Joining them in achieving seven 200-plus totals in a year were Birmingham Bears (2022) and Japan (2024), but India now stands alone at the top.

The star of the show was young sensation Tilak Varma, who smashed his way to an unbeaten 107 off just 56 balls. His blistering innings featured eight boundaries and seven towering sixes, showcasing his aggressive approach and adaptability at the international level. Abhishek Sharma offered strong support with a quickfire 50 off 25 balls, hitting three fours and five sixes to help India reach the formidable total.

Record-Breaking Centuries in 2024

Varma’s incredible century was India’s fifth individual century in T20 Internationals this year. This ties the record for the most centuries scored by any team in a single year in T20s, a feat that was previously achieved by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2016) and India (2023). The year has seen standout performances by Sanju Samson, who has two centuries, as well as centuries by Abhishek Sharma and Rohit Sharma.

South Africa’s Valiant Chase

In response, South Africa’s batting lineup didn’t back down. Heinrich Klaasen and Marco Jansen gave India a tough time, with Klaasen scoring a quick 41 off 22 balls, including four sixes, and Jansen hammering a whirlwind 54 off 17 balls. Jansen’s blistering fifty is now the fastest half-century scored against India in T20 Internationals.

With every big hit, South Africa kept the chase alive, and it seemed like an upset was possible. However, the Indian bowling attack, led by Arshdeep Singh, kept their cool. Arshdeep claimed three crucial wickets, including the dangerous Jansen in the final over, finishing with figures of 3 for 37. His contributions in both the powerplay and death overs proved pivotal to India’s narrow win.

Conclusion: A Year of Record-Breaking Performances

India’s remarkable consistency in T20 Internationals this year has redefined what’s possible in the shortest format of the game. With a new world record for the most 200-plus totals in a year and an unmatched series of individual centuries, 2024 has truly been a historic year for Indian cricket. This thrilling win over South Africa cements India’s place as a T20 powerhouse and sets the stage for even more record-breaking performances in the future.

Team India now looks ahead to sealing the series in the final match, carrying forward the momentum from this unforgettable victory

Reference from :- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/india-in-south-africa/india-create-history-set-a-new-t20-world-record-during-thrilling-win-against-south-africa/articleshow/115278652.cms