India’s preparations for defending their T20 World Cup 2025 title have received a major boost after the team defeated South Africa 3-1 in a high-octane T20 series, culminating in a thrilling 30-run win in the final match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

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Star Performances Lead India to Victory

The final match of the series saw second fifties by Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya, who powered India to an imposing 231-5 in their allotted 20 overs. South Africa, despite a strong start, faltered in the chase, collapsing from 120-1 to 201-8, allowing India to seal the series convincingly.

Sanju Samson, covering for an injured Shubman Gill, returned to T20 cricket for the first time since October. Opening with Abhishek Sharma, Samson scored a rapid 63 off just six overs, building a strong foundation before finishing at 97 after nine overs.

Varma and Pandya then extended India’s momentum with a 105-run partnership in 7.2 overs, with Varma reaching a 30-ball fifty and Pandya achieving a 16-ball fifty, featuring five towering sixes over deep midwicket. Pandya was eventually caught for 63 off 25 balls, followed shortly by Varma, who ran himself out for 73 off 42 balls, both receiving standing ovations from the home crowd.

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Bowling Heroics: Bumrah and Chakravarthy Shine

India’s bowling also played a pivotal role in securing the series. Jasprit Bumrah triggered South Africa’s collapse by catching and bowling Quinton de Kock for 65 off a yorker, finishing with 2-17 from four overs.

Varun Chakravarthy, despite being targeted for 23 runs in one over by de Kock and Dewald Brevis, bounced back to take crucial wickets and finished with impressive figures of 4-53, helping India restrict South Africa and secure the series win.

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India’s T20 World Cup 2025 Preparations Look Strong

This series win highlights India’s depth and versatility ahead of the T20 World Cup 2025, with contributions from both experienced campaigners like Hardik Pandya and emerging stars such as Tilak Varma.

The final match also showcased India’s adaptability, with players like Samson stepping up in the absence of regulars, and the bowling unit demonstrating the ability to defend large totals under pressure.

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Series Summary

• India T20 Series Win: 3-1 against South Africa
• Highest Individual Scores: Tilak Varma 73, Hardik Pandya 63, Sanju Samson 97
• Key Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah 2-17, Varun Chakravarthy 4-53
• Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

The commanding win ensures India head into the T20 World Cup 2025 on a high note, combining batting firepower and disciplined bowling—a formidable combination for any opponent.