The first day of the India vs Australia Test match at Perth was a rollercoaster ride, with 17 wickets falling and Australia reeling at 67 for 7 at stumps. The star of the day was Jasprit Bumrah who ripped apart the Australian top-order with four wickets, making it one of the worst starts for the hosts at home this century. With India's lowest Test score at home at 85 against South Africa in 2016, Bumrah's pacy unit will be aiming to create history on Day 2. The rest of the series and even Saturday's match is now up in the air, making it a thrilling and unpredictable game for both teams.
After playing a crucial role in India's T20 World Cup triumph, Hardik Pandya once again climbed to the top of the ICC Men's T20I All-Rounder rankings. This is his second time at the top spot in 2021. With his batting and bowling prowess, Pandya helped India win the T20I series against South Africa, with Tilak Varma also making it to the top 3 in the batter's rankings.
Rain once again proved to be a spoiler as Sri Lanka's dominance in home conditions continued with a 0-0 draw against New Zealand in the final ODI. Despite putting up fights in the first two games, the Kiwis were unable to take a win on their lengthy subcontinental tour. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, end their season with a brilliant record of just one ODI loss, as they look ahead to their upcoming Test series against South Africa.
After ESPNcricinfo's report of Aqib Javed replacing Jason Gillespie as the head coach of the Pakistan men's cricket team, the PCB has stepped in to clarify that the former Australian cricketer will continue to coach the team for the upcoming two red-ball matches against South Africa. This comes after speculation of Gillespie's potential removal following Pakistan's loss at home against Bangladesh and subsequent win against England. With the PCB clarifying the situation, Gillespie's role as head coach remains secure for now.
Tilak Varma made history in the recently concluded T20I series against South Africa, breaking multiple records and showcasing his batting prowess. The 22-year-old left-handed batter from Hyderabad scored a total of 280 runs in four matches, surpassing Virat Kohli's record for the most runs in a bilateral T20I series for India. Tilak's stellar performance earned him two Player of the Match awards and the Player of the Series award, making him the youngest Indian to win the latter in T20Is. He also equaled the record for most sixes in a T20I match for India, and with Sanju Samson, he became the first Indian batting pair to score over 200 runs for any wicket in a T20I match. Tilak's incredible performance has solidified his position as a rising star in Indian cricket.
After a dominating performance by India in the T20 series against South Africa, the young Indian cricketer Tilak Verma received the "impact fielder of the series" award in the final match. With his brilliant performance in the series, Verma left everyone in awe and even impressed coach VVS Laxman with his catch of South African captain Aiden Markram. In a comical turn of events, captain Suryakumar Yadav revealed the winner in a unique and entertaining manner, leading to a moment of celebration for the team. The video of this moment was shared by BCCI, showcasing the camaraderie and talent of Team India.
In a thrilling T20I match against South Africa, Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma put on an electrifying display of batting, smashing a total of 19 sixes to propel India to a colossal total of 283/1. This proved to be too much for Proteas as they failed to match the relentless onslaught of the Indian openers. Samson and Varma both reached their respective centuries, establishing themselves as top T20I batsmen.
Tilak Varma's request to bat at No.3 pays off as he smashes a maiden century against South Africa in the 3rd T20I. In a post-match interview, he reveals that it was captain Suryakumar Yadav who gave him the opportunity. The young batsman dedicates his century to the skipper and praises the team's support and backing. He adds that the team encouraged them to play freely, leading to a stunning performance.
India ended their T20I campaign for the year with a bang, sealing a convincing victory over South Africa in the fourth and final match of the series. Led by record-breaking centuries from Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma, India posted a mammoth total of 283 for 1, the highest ever against South Africa in T20Is. The Indian bowlers then put in a dominant performance to clinch a 135-run win, making it their biggest T20I victory against the Proteas and ending their year on a high note.
In a high-scoring game, India managed to defend their large total of 283 runs against South Africa, winning the match by a whopping 135 runs and securing the T20I series victory. Suryakumar Yadav, who is leading the Indian side in the absence of regular captain Virat Kohli, displayed an impressive batting performance, scoring his maiden international century. India's Ramandeep Singh also had a successful debut, taking his first international wicket. With this win, India are now at the top of the T20I rankings, setting them up nicely for the upcoming World Cup.