The third T20I between India and South Africa in Centurion was unexpectedly interrupted by a swarm of flying ants, causing a strange and lengthy delay. India had set an imposing target of 220 runs for South Africa. South African openers Ryan Rickelton and Reeza Hendricks scored seven runs in the opening over when the insect invasion disrupted play.
This unforeseen delay was not brief; the grounds staff worked hard for over 30 minutes to clear the field, but the swarm persisted, forcing a suspension of play. Commentators repeatedly mentioned the “flying ants” as the culprits, while social media buzzed with reactions, with fans sharing videos and humorous posts about the unique situation.
Tilak Varma Shines with Maiden T20I Century
Earlier in the match, Tilak Varma showcased a remarkable performance, scoring his first T20I century with an unbeaten 107 runs off just 56 balls. Promoted to bat at number three, Varma’s innings helped India post a massive total of 219/6. Starting aggressively, Varma took advantage of a favorable matchup and executed powerful shots, including eight fours and seven sixes.
Notably, 71 of his runs came from boundaries on the leg side, showcasing his precision in targeting gaps. Varma was well-supported by Abhishek Sharma, who scored a quick 50, adding 107 runs for the second wicket. The pair’s aggressive strategy, especially in the Power-play, put South Africa on the defensive from the outset.
Strong Comeback for South Africa Despite India’s Dominance
Despite India’s strong batting display, South Africa managed to make a partial comeback with Andile Simelane and Keshav Maharaj each taking two wickets. India’s innings had a rocky start as Sanju Samson fell early for a duck.
However, Varma and Sharma shifted momentum quickly. After Sharma’s dismissal, Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya kept the score ticking, though Pandya eventually fell to Maharaj’s clever bowling.
Varma continued his powerful batting, securing India’s strong total by hitting boundaries even in the last few overs. Ramandeep Singh made an impactful debut with a six and a four. By the end, Varma’s exceptional performance ensured India posted a formidable score, setting a high target for South Africa.
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