South Africa captain Aiden Markram acknowledged that the Men in Blue “completely outplayed” the hosts after the team suffered a crushing defeat to India in the fourth Twenty20 International of the series.
The Men in Blue “completely outplayed” the hosts in Johannesburg after South Africa’s captain, Aiden Markram, acknowledged the team’s dismal defeat to India in the fourth Twenty20 International of the series. India won the series 3-1 after defeating South Africa by an overwhelming 135 runs in the fourth Twenty20 International. “The Men in Blue dominated the Proteas in all three aspects of the game,” Markram stated during the post-match presentation. The Indian cricket players’ performance with the bat and ball was also commended by him.
The Proteas captain said that India placed them under pressure, making it difficult for them to recover.
“We were completely outplayed in all three areas of the game. I have to give them credit; bat and ball, they put us under strain, and it was difficult for us to recover. There should be some honest reflections. As a team, we will reflect well; as a white-ball squad, we will take some time off, get some work done, and eventually return as better players with better skills and execution,” Markram stated.
After winning the toss, India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav chose to bat first. The decision paid off, as the team gave an amazing performance.India’s opening pair, Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, put together a strong 73-run partnership. Despite his brilliant effort, which included two fours and four sixes, Abhishek was removed by Lutho Sipamla in the sixth over, ending his innings.
Tilak Varma and Samson’s combination did not appear to be slowing down as the innings moved into the last overs. Tilak Varma scored his second T20I century in the very next over after Sanju Samson reached his century in just 51 balls in the 18th over.
Samson and Tilak’s historic 210-run partnership helped India reach a commanding 283/1. Tilak hammered an undefeated 120 off just 47 deliveries, while Samson provided a blazing 109 runs off 51 balls.The only bowler to claim a wicket was Lutho Sipamla, which gave the South African bowling squad a lackluster appearance. On the other hand, Sipamla gave up the most runs, which gave the Indian hitters an advantage.
The Proteas’ only standout batsmen throughout the run chase were David Miller (36 runs from 27 balls, 2 fours, and 3 sixes) and Tristan Stubbs (43 runs from 29 balls, 3 fours, and 2 sixes). The others did not perform well in Johannesburg.
With one over left, the Indian bowling attack, spearheaded by Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy, successfully held South Africa to 148, winning the fourth Twenty20 International by 135 runs.
