That wraps up our coverage of the thrilling runathon in Centurion, where South Africa came agonizingly close to breaking Indian hearts. However, Arshdeep Singh kept his composure and delivered a match-winning performance, securing a vital win for India. With this win, India have taken a 2-1 lead in the series and will now look to lift the trophy in Joburg. South Africa, on the other hand, will give it their all in the final game, hoping to level the series.
This is Ajay Pal Singh signing off on behalf of my colleagues AkshayaKrishna Polya and Raju Khariya. Good night, BYE BYE!!!!
Suryakumar Yadav (India Captain): "Very happy. What we spoke about in the team meeting today and yesterday, we are happy to execute that in the game. We played the brand of cricket that we wanted to play.
That is what we have been telling them to do. Similar to what they have been doing in the nets, for their franchises and for their states. Even if they miss out in a few innings, they back their intent and their game.
You can say that because of aggression and intent, it is not about just talking. If you step out and take a single, that is what intent is. It has made my job very easier when I watch them bat like that, and I feel we are going in the right direction.
The energy and intent from everyone, the energy from everyone. It was the first time that we were six or seven minutes ahead.
And what can I say about Tilak Varma? He came to me in Gqeberha after the game and asked me if he could bat at three. I said to him it was his day and to enjoy himself. I knew what he was capable of doing and very happy for him. He is definitely batting at three going forward (laughs). He asked for it, and he delivered. Very happy for his family.
The franchise where we play gives the freedom for the players to express themselves."
Aiden Markram (South Africa Captain): "Obviously proud, proud to get that close with contributions from middle and lower middle order. Coming here in Centurion, we knew it would be a game of really small margins. If you can win a couple of key moments here and there, you definitely give yourself a better chance.
Execution is the key here, if you can nail it with the ball and don't go for boundaries. With the bat, if you can put the bad balls away, you should be fine. Looking at the total, it may look too much but at this venue, you expect to chase it down.
It is almost like an over-by-over game. If you win more overs, you stand a better chance. Ball-by-ball almost, and if you get most things right, you stand a better chance. Thought Marco did brilliantly in the last over, if you do more things right, you'll be good.
I think the batters can take confidence. The bowlers would be looking to fine tune a bit before we head to Joburg."
Tilak Varma (POTM): "Yeah, I am okay! The catch was coming on the lights, but I am doing well now. So it's a little difficult, but I'm happy about the win.
I can't speak it in words. It was a dream to do it for my country. Scoring a hundred, I am really happy. I couldn't imagine and I cannot put it down in words. It was my dream, and it was the right time to score a hundred for my team. It's a kind of a decider in the series. Under the pressure, it was a good knock.
All credit goes to the captain, Suryakumar Yadav, who has given me the number three position. Really, thanks to Suryakumar Yadav again. He said to me before the game that I have the potential to bat at number 3. I am really, really happy that he gave me that opportunity.
I just wanted to express myself and back my basics. Even under pressure, I followed the basics and backed myself. The wicket was slightly two-paced at the start. When Abhishek was dismissed, it was not easy for the new batter. I was waiting for one partnership, and we were talking about that. I always believe in my basics. The team management backs every player to have a positive approach."
Player of the Match: Tilak Varma
Impact Player of the Match: Marco Jansen
Longest Six of the Match: Heinrich Klaasen (109m)
12:53 AM IST and 9:23 PM Local Time: We are ready with the post-match presentation...