VVS Laxman: T20I Series Win in South Africa Special

Former Team India limited overs batter and current T20I coach VVS Laxman hailed his team’s victory over South Africa as a “special win”. The Men in Blue were able to post an impressive 3 -1 win away from home against the Proteas, continuing their fine T20I form in 2024.

Laxman took to his Twitter (now X) handle to express how proud he is of the team’s effort:

“Really proud of our guys for the spirit with which they played this entire series. The 3-1 win is a special effort, brilliantly led by Suryakumar Yadav. Samson and Tilak were unstoppable with the bat, and Varun Chakravarthy was outstanding with the ball.”

“The entire team, the way they played and enjoyed each other’s success, couldn’t be prouder of the boys. Congratulations on a memorable win.”

Laxman will now look to consolidate on the team’s impressive victory as India aims to entertain a busy T20I calendar next year.

Suryakumar Yadav Hails T20I Teammates for ‘Stepping Up’

“Everybody stepped up,” Yadav said after India managed an aggressive approach throughout the third T20I meeting vs South Africa. The team regained their lead after South Africa pulled level in their previous encounter, and skipper Yadav was pleased with such an effort:

“This is a special win, and I’m sure everyone is happy, at the same time, we take a lot of learning from this series and will reflect on it. All the best to those going back to domestic matches; I am also heading that way.”

Results Summary of RSA vs IND 2024 T20I 2024

1st T20I

Laxman’s team started the T20I series vs South Africa on a high, running away 61-run winners in Durban. The Men in Blue batted first to post a high 202 for 8 target, all thanks to an impressive half-century (64 runs from 36 balls) from Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Other contributions from middle-order players made life difficult for the hosts, allowing India dominate the series beginning. India lost wickets frequently, but their approach at the death over was enough to set an unassailable target against South Africa.

The Proteas folded under pressure and could only post 141 runs after 17.5 overs. India relied on senior bowler Ravichandran Ashwin as he made life difficult for Proteas batters. He took 3 easy wickets from 20 balls while decimating South Africa’s middle order to ensure India wins the first game.

2nd T20I

South Africa aimed to bounce back in the series with a 3-wicket victory against their visitors in Gqeberha. The Proteas manned a decent bowling effort to restrict Laxman’s squad to 124 for 6 after 20 overs. Lungi Ngidi was among the top headaches for India throughout this match, as his play restricted India’s batting lineup to underwhelming totals.

South Africa needed a 125 target to seal victory, and Heinrich Klaasen’s 44 after 33 balls ensured the team could sail to victory. The Proteas reached their target with 6 balls remaining, managing to upset India’s first match win in a second tight encounter.  

3rd T20I

India regained their lead in the third T20I with a thrilling 11-run win in Centurion. India batted first for the third time and secured a high 219/6 target. Sanju Samson ensured South Africa had a hard time with an electrifying 78 runs off 40 balls. Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav compounded the host’s woes with their contributions, while ensuring Team India secured victory.

Proteas’ batter Reeza Hendricks posted a 74 off 42, but tight bowling in the death overs from Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah restricted their total to 208/7. India held their nerve to record an impressive performance while taking the series scoreline to 2-1.

4th T20I

Johannesburg hosted both teams for the final series encounter. Team India displayed their batting superiority over the hosts by smashing home multiple balls to secure a 135-run victory.

India posted a mammoth 283 for 1 after batting first to register their second-highest T20I total ever. Centuries from Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma combined to ensure South Africa’s batting performance would be an uphill task to snatch victory.

Their record-breaking 210 second-wicket partnership left South Africa reeling. The hosts will end up crumbling under pressure, folding for 148 in just 18.2 overs.  

South Africa vs India 2024 T20I Series Full Results