In a remarkable series win in South Africa, India triumphed 3-1 with Tilak Varma being named the best fielder of the series by the Indian team. The young cricketer surpassed strong contenders Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav to claim the award. Stand-in fielding coach Subhadeep Ghosh requested captain Suryakumar Yadav to announce the winner. Yadav approached Samson, shook his hand and then, to the surprise and delight of the dressing room, declared Tilak Varma the best fielder. There was laughter and applause in the room, a reflection of the camaraderie and team spirit.
The award was presented to Tilak by deputy head coach VVS Laxman. Receiving the medal, Tilak humbly dedicated the honor saying, “I want to say one thing: Rinku's God's plan.”
Besides Tilak's recognition, Ravi Bishnoi was adjudged the Best Fielder of the last T20I for his excellent catch, which underlined India's exceptional fielding throughout the series.
The tradition of rewarding the best fielder of the match started last year during India's World Cup season and remains an integral part of the team culture.
As for the fourth T20I, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav opted to bat first after winning the toss. The decision proved fruitful as the team delivered an exceptional performance.
Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma opened the innings and forged a solid partnership of 73 runs. Abhishek played a dynamic knock, hitting two fours and four sixes, before being dismissed by Lutho Sipamla in the sixth over.
During the death overs, the partnership between Tilak Varma and Samson continued to flourish. Samson brought up his century in just 51 balls during the 18th over, followed by Tilak who reached his second T20I hundred in the next over.
Their record-breaking partnership of 210 runs took India to a formidable 283/1. Samson scored a blistering 109 off 51 balls while Tilak remained unbeaten on 120 off just 47 deliveries.
The South African bowling attack struggled, with Lutho Sipamla being the only wicket-taker. However, he also conceded the most runs, allowing India to dominate.
In response, South Africa's batting faltered, with only Tristan Stubbs (43 off 29 balls, including three fours and two sixes) and David Miller (36 off 27 balls, with two fours and three sixes) showing resistance. The rest of the batting line-up failed to make an impact.
Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy led India's bowling attack, successfully restricting South Africa to 148 runs with an over to spare.
India's emphatic 135-run win in the fourth match secured a 3-1 series victory, marking their fifth series win in South Africa.
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