NEW DELHI: India captain Suryakumar Yadav lauded his team's aggressive approach and praised Tilak Varma's standout performance after India's 11-run victory over South Africa in the third T20I at Centurion. With the win, India now leads the four-match series 2-1.
Though Suryakumar himself struggled with the bat, he was elated with how the team executed their game plan. Speaking at the post-match presentation, Suryakumar emphasized the squad's brand of cricket, particularly highlighting the backing of young players like Tilak Varma.
"Very happy. What we spoke about in the team meeting, we played the brand of cricket we discussed. That's what we have been telling them to do," said Suryakumar. He added that the team's aggressive mindset is not just about words, but actions: "Aggression and intent is always not about talking. They have made my job easier when I see them bat like that."
Tilak Varma was the star of the match, playing a sensational knock of 107 off 56 balls, guiding India to a formidable total of 219/6. Varma's blistering century included eight fours and seven sixes. His innings came after a personal request to the skipper to bat at No. 3. Suryakumar revealed, "He [Tilak] came to my room at Gqeberha and said, 'Give me a chance at No. 3, I want to do well,' and I said, 'Go out there and express yourself.' He asked for it and he delivered."
Abhishek Sharma also contributed with a quick-fire 50 off 25 balls, but the rest of India's batting lineup faltered as South Africa's Andile Simelane and Keshav Maharaj took two wickets each.
South Africa's chase was powered by Marco Jansen's explosive 54 off 17 balls and Heinrich Klaasen's 41 from 22, keeping the Proteas in the game. But India's bowlers, led by Arshdeep Singh, held their nerve. Arshdeep picked up three crucial wickets and restricted South Africa in the death overs, while Varun Chakaravarthy claimed two wickets, sealing India's victory.
Tilak Varma was named Player of the Match for his exceptional performance, and Suryakumar couldn't be prouder of the youngster. "Very happy for him and his family," he said.
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