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The Wanderers Stadium witnessed a spectacular display of cricketing prowess as India roared to a resounding 106-run victory over South Africa in the third and final T20I, thanks to stellar performances by Kuldeep Yadav and Suryakumar Yadav. The win not only levelled the series but also showcased India’s dominance in the shortest format of the game.
India’s Innings: Suryakumar Yadav’s Explosive Century
After being put into bat, India set a daunting target of 202 runs for South Africa. The architect of this imposing total was none other than the dynamic Suryakumar, who blazed his way to a scintillating century. His innings of 100 runs off 56 balls, adorned with seven fours and an impressive eight sixes, not only anchored India’s innings but also etched his name alongside Rohit Sharma and Glenn Maxwell in the record books, with all three now boasting four T20I centuries each.
Yashasvi Jaiswal also chipped in with a well-crafted 60 runs to India’s commanding total. The South African bowlers found it challenging to contain the aggressive Indian batting lineup, with Keshav Maharaj being the most successful among them, claiming two wickets for 26 runs in his four overs.
South Africa’s Innings: Kuldeep Yadav’s magical five-for
In reply, the South African batting order crumbled under the relentless pressure applied by the Indian bowlers. Kuldeep Yadav emerged as the hero, delivering an exceptional spell that dismantled the Proteas. His figures of 5 wickets for 17 runs were instrumental in restricting South Africa to a mere 95 runs in 13.5 overs, marking their second-lowest total in the T20 format.
While David Miller showed some resistance with a knock of 35 runs off 25 balls, it was insufficient to challenge India’s dominance. Ravindra Jadeja and Mukesh Kumar also chipped in with crucial wickets.
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India’s series-levelling victory
With South Africa bowled out for 95 runs, India secured a convincing victory by 106 runs, thereby levelling the T20I series. Notably, this triumph followed an abandoned first match and a defeat for the Men in Blue in the second T20I. The series-levelling win showcased India’s ability to bounce back and assert their dominance in challenging conditions.
Player of the Match and Series
Unsurprisingly, Suryakumar was awarded the Player of the Match for his breathtaking century, underlining his potential as a game-changer. Additionally, he claimed the Player of the Series title, a fitting recognition for his consistent performances throughout the series.
Twitter reactions:
Fifer including 3 wkts in 4 balls! Not a bad way to celebrate your birthday. Well bowled and Happy Birthday @imkuldeep18 👏🏾😊 #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/rkwJmjIqbt
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) December 14, 2023
Surya’s this inning has been special. He had to work really hard for first 20 balls. Sweep shot wasn’t giving him the result which he gets all the time. They bowled well to him at the start and then surya started shining. Brilliant 👏 #INDvSA
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 14, 2023
What a dominating performance by the Men in Blue! 🔥🔥
First Suryakumar Yadav scores a century, and then Kuldeep Yadav takes 5 wickets on his birthday!
The Yadav Duo has been excellent for the team today and we win the match by 106 runs 🔥🔥
Series tied 1-1! Amazing T20… pic.twitter.com/T3i2aFlek2
— Sumit Kapoor (@moneygurusumit) December 14, 2023
It was a perfect team effort tonight.
Jaiswal and Suryakumar Yadav wonders with the bat and Kuldeep, Siraj and Jadeja magic with the ball.
An absolute victory to celebrate. pic.twitter.com/ji1SR9KYnl
— Vishal. (@SPORTYVISHAL) December 14, 2023
India defeated South Africa by 106 runs in the 3rd T20I.
– Stars are Surya & Kuldeep Yadav. pic.twitter.com/92I9T94Ryu
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 14, 2023
Joint winners of the T20I series.
🇮🇳 🤝 🇿🇦 #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/8Zg0aEhKoL
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 14, 2023
💯 & 5-for for India in the same T20I
KL Rahul (101*) & Kuldeep (5/24) vs Eng at Manchester 2018
Kohli (122*) & Bhuvneshwar (5/4) vs Afg at Dubai 2022
Suryakumar (100) & Kuldeep (5/17) vs SA at Johannesburg 2023#SAvIND— Rohit Yadav (@cricrohit) December 14, 2023
The two Yadav are the heroes for India today.
• Suryakumar Yadav : 100(56) with the bat
• Kuldeep Yadav : 5-17 with the ball pic.twitter.com/7AbUAPgCab— 🅒🅡🅘︎🅒︎🄲🅁🄰🅉🅈𝗠𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗨™ 🇮🇳❤️ (@MSDianMrigu) December 14, 2023
Day belongs to Yadavs
5 wickets to Kuldeep Yadav 5/17
100 for Suryakumar YadavIndia won by 106 runs, India have bowled out South Africa for less than 100 three times in International Cricket since 2022#SAvIND #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/M2rJTY1ql1
— Abhijeet ♞ (@TheYorkerBall) December 14, 2023
5 Cake kaatna aaj @imkuldeep18
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 14, 2023
𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗔𝘁 𝗢𝗻𝗰𝗲 Starring SKY 💯🥳#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/XNHSvWIzfF
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) December 14, 2023
Just 8️⃣ T20I centuries among these two 😉#SuryakumarYadav #RohitSharma #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/52B9YFAtI0
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) December 14, 2023
How it started vs How it ended 🤩🏆#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/CQoNGarEpN
— Joburg Super Kings (@JSKSA20) December 14, 2023