In a commanding display of cricketing prowess, India clinched a decisive seven-wicket victory against South Africa in the third Twenty20 international at Dharamsala’s floodlit stadium on Sunday. The triumph grants India a 2-1 advantage in the five-match series as both teams prepare for February’s T20 World Cup.
South Africa’s batting lineup suffered a dramatic collapse early in the match after being put into bat, plummeting to 7-3 within the first 3.1 overs. Captain Aiden Markram emerged as the lone resilient force, preventing his team from recording their worst-ever T20 total—a dubious honor currently held at 74 runs from the series opener. Markram’s valiant 46-ball innings, featuring two sixes and six boundaries, was cut short when he was caught behind against pace bowler Arshdeep Singh, who finished with impressive figures of 2-13.
India’s bowling attack demonstrated remarkable depth despite the absence of star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who missed the match for personal reasons. Harshit Rana, Bumrah’s replacement, claimed 2-34, while spin specialist Kuldeep Yadav delivered a masterful performance with 2-12 from just two overs, including the dismissal of Ottneil Baartman on the final delivery of South Africa’s innings.
India’s chase proceeded with clinical efficiency as openers Abhishek Sharma (35 from 18 balls) and Shubman Gill established a dominant 60-run partnership. Sharma’s explosive performance was eventually halted by a spectacular running catch from Markram off Corbin Bosch’s bowling. Gill contributed a steady 28 before being bowled by Marco Jansen, while captain Suryakumar Yadav fell for 12 to Lungi Ngidi’s delivery. The match concluded with Tilak Varma (26 not out) and Shivam Dube (10 not out) comfortably guiding India to victory at 120-3 in just 15.5 overs.
The series continues to demonstrate its unpredictable nature, with South Africa having previously rebounded from a 101-run defeat in the first match to secure a 51-run victory in the second T20. The teams now look ahead to Wednesday’s fourth T20 in Lucknow, with India seeking to maintain their momentum as defending T20 World Cup champions.