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• Unbeatable Samson and Tilak lead India to victory in Johannesburg

  Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma both hit unbeaten centuries – the latter recording his second in as many matches – as India eased to a 3-1 T20I series win over South Africa.

  Leading 2-1 after Tilak's best-ever T20I knock of 107 not out led them to victory in Wednesday's third match, the tourists produced another magnificent batting display to wrap up the series in Johannesburg.

  Samson and Abhishek Sharma put on a partnership of 73 to get the ball rolling after India captain Suryakumar Yadav chose to bat, but they really picked up the pace after the latter feathered Lutho Sipamla's ball through to Heinrich Klaasen for 36.

  Tilak came in and smashed 120 runs off just 47 balls faced – including nine fours and 10 sixes – in a brilliant stand with Samson, who scored 109 off 56 deliveries. 

  South Africa's bowlers had no answer to the duo's big hitting, with the highlight of the innings coming when Tilak slogged 20 runs off four successive balls in the 14th over.

  Finishing 283-1, India fell just 14 runs short of their record total in T20Is, a score of 297-6 versus Bangladesh set last month, and the Proteas' slim hopes of making it competitive were soon dashed.

  Arshdeep Singh (3-20) dismissed Reeza Hendricks (0), Aiden Markram (8) and Klaasen (0) within the first three overs of their innings as the hosts were dropped to 10-4. 

  Varun Chakravarthy got in on the act with two wickets as India continued to rip through the South Africa batting order, Tristan Stubbs (43) top-scoring for the hosts as they fell 135 runs short of victory.

  Data Debrief: Records fall for India pair

  South Africa's bowlers were smashed around the Wanderers Stadium by Samson and Tilak, both of whom brought up notable milestones.

  Samson became the first cricketer in T20I history to hit three centuries within a single year, having also scored tons against Bangladesh last month and South Africa eight days ago.

  Tilak, meanwhile, managed a strike rate of 255.3, the highest ever recorded by an India player in a single T20I innings. 

• Jason Holder and Kyle Mayers sign with Abu Dhabi Knight Riders for 2025 ILT20 season

  West Indies all-rounders Jason Holder and Kyle Mayers have been announced as marquee signings for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders ahead of the 2025 season of the International League T20 (ILT20), set to bowl off in January.

  The franchise confirmed the signings on social media, igniting excitement among fans. Holder and Mayers, known for their explosive talent and match-winning abilities, are expected to bolster the Knight Riders’ campaign as they aim for glory in the six-team tournament.

  Mayers expressed his enthusiasm about joining the Knight Riders via Instagram, stating, "I am very excited to be part of the Knight Riders family in this coming season of the ILT20." His powerful batting and impactful seam bowling have made him a sought-after player in T20 leagues worldwide.

  Holder, a former West Indies captain, brings a wealth of experience and versatility to the team. Renowned for his ability to deliver in clutch situations with both bat and ball, his leadership qualities will also add immense value to the Knight Riders' dressing room.

  The Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, a franchise known for its association with the globally recognized Knight Riders brand, are aiming to improve on past performances and establish themselves as a dominant force in the ILT20. With the addition of Holder and Mayers, the team’s chances of success in the competitive league have significantly increased.

  The ILT20, which continues to attract some of the world’s top cricketing talent, promises to deliver thrilling action when the 2025 season gets underway. Fans can expect Holder and Mayers to light up the tournament with their dynamic performances as they represent the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders on the big stage.

   

• 'It's always personal' – Kolisi says South Africa highly motivated for England clash

  South Africa captain Siya Kolisi insists the world champions will not be lacking in motivation for Saturday's clash with England at Twickenham, saying the teams' meetings are "always personal".

  The Springboks are aiming to inflict a fifth straight defeat on Steve Borthwick's troubled hosts, who suffered a dramatic 42-37 defeat to Australia last week.

  England's most recent meeting with South Africa – in the semi-finals of last year's World Cup – was overshadowed by Tom Curry accusing Bongi Mbonambi of directing a racist slur towards him, an allegation the Springboks hooker denied.

  South Africa won that match 16-15 thanks to a late Handre Pollard penalty before beating New Zealand in the final, and Kolisi knows they now have a target on their backs.

  "It's always personal. That's just how we prepare ourselves for games," Kolisi said on Friday.

  "It's got to be personal. It's another man trying to run through you in-game, it doesn't get more personal than that. So every game for us is personal.

  "This one, in Twickenham, is a big game and we know what England have been going through. We've been in their position before.

  "We know we've got a target on our back at all times. Every single team that plays against us... we've got to make it as personal as possible because we want to stay where we are." 

   

  England have recalled full-back Freddie Steward for the match, after he lost his place to George Furbank during the Six Nations earlier this year.

  The 23-year-old is delighted to be back in the fold and is determined to make the most of his opportunity.

  "It was one of the hardest things I've had to deal with," Steward told BBC Radio 5 Live. "When you have something for a while and then you lose it, it puts into perspective how important that thing is to you.

  "Not having that over the last couple of months has been really challenging. Emotionally, it has been tough, but I've had to use that as fuel to keep pushing and wanting to get better and win that place back.

  "It can be a kick in the teeth but you have to use those experiences, and I'm sat here now as a better rugby player and a stronger person."