The third T20I between India and South Africa in Centurion witnessed an extraordinary interruption due to a swarm of insects. After India posted a formidable target of 220, the match was halted when Ryan Rickelton and Reeza Hendricks scored seven runs in an over. The delay lasted over 30 minutes as groundsmen frantically attempted to clear the field of the insects, which commentators identified as “flying ants.”
The bizarre incident sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with users expressing amusement and disbelief. The match resumed after the insects were cleared, but the delay had a significant impact on the game’s momentum.
Earlier, Tilak Varma had propelled India to a massive total with a scintillating unbeaten century. Promoted to number three, Varma unleashed a barrage of boundaries, smashing eight fours and seven sixes in his 107-run knock. His maiden T20I century made him the second-youngest Indian batter to achieve the feat.
Abhishek Sharma provided valuable support to Varma, contributing a 25-ball fifty. The duo shared a 107-run partnership for the second wicket, targeting the short square boundaries during the Powerplay.
South Africa’s bowlers struggled to contain the Indian onslaught, with Andile Simelane and Keshav Maharaj claiming two wickets each. However, the insect invasion proved to be the most unexpected and memorable moment of the match.
