India Sets New T20I Record

A dynamic young Indian cricket team has captivated fans by securing a commanding 3-1 series win against South Africa in a recently concluded four-match T20I showdown. Under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav, India outshone the Proteas in every department, leaving a lasting impression with their all-around performance.

In the decisive fourth match held in Johannesburg, India amassed an astonishing total of 283/1. They then proceeded to dismiss South Africa for just 148 runs, clinching the match by a staggering 135 runs. This emphatic victory allowed India to break Pakistan's significant six-year-old T20I record.

The year 2024 has been extraordinary for Indian cricket. After triumphing in the T20 World Cup under Rohit Sharma's leadership, the team continued their winning streak with series victories over Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, and now South Africa. Out of 26 T20I matches played this year, India has impressively won 24.

These outstanding statistics have propelled India's T20I win percentage in 2024 to an unprecedented 92.31%, marking the highest ever achieved by any team in a single calendar year. The previous record was held by Pakistan, which had an 89.43% win rate in 2018.

Moreover, India now boasts the second-highest win percentage in T20 cricket overall, surpassed only by Tamil Nadu's leading 93.75%. Karnataka holds the third position with a win rate of 91.67%.

Reflecting on the team's success after the fourth T20I, Suryakumar Yadav remarked that there was no secret formula for adapting to different conditions and situations. He explained that their strategies were well-defined upon arriving in Durban, aiming to replicate the brand of cricket they played during their last visit. Despite holding a 2-1 lead in the series, the team focused on maintaining good habits rather than fixating on the outcome, which naturally led to their victory.

“ It was difficult to sum up what went through our minds when we won there. It is very challenging when we tour South Africa, to come and win here, this is a special win and will stay with me forever. They were sitting and enjoying the show from the first day, they spoke to the boys and said whatever you want, you do, we will sit and enjoy. Even today, they said if you want to bat first and put runs on the board, do it,” he added.