Dharamsala: A dominant bowling performance followed by a brisk batting display helped India bounce back strongly to defeat South Africa by seven wickets in the third T20 International at Dharamsala on Sunday, taking a 2–1 lead in the five-match series.
India’s victory was built on a collective bowling effort, with Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav sharing eight wickets between them to bowl South Africa out for 117 runs in 20 overs. Despite a fighting half-century from South African captain Aiden Markram, the visitors struggled against India’s disciplined attack.
With senior pacer Jasprit Bumrah unavailable due to personal reasons, left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh (2/13) set the tone by swinging the ball sharply in his opening spell. He removed opener Reeza Hendricks early, while Harshit Rana (2/34) struck crucial blows, including the wicket of Quinton de Kock, who was dismissed for a single-digit score. Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy (2/11) and left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav (2/12) tightened the screws in the middle overs, leaving South Africa reeling.
All-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube also made immediate impacts, picking up wickets in their first overs to keep South Africa under constant pressure. Apart from Markram’s 61 off 46 balls, which included six fours and two sixes, the batting line-up failed to offer resistance, with South Africa collapsing to a below-par total.
In reply, India chased down the target comfortably, reaching 120 for 3 in 15.5 overs. Opener Abhishek Sharma provided early momentum with a quick-fire 35 off 18 balls, smashing three sixes and three fours. He shared a 60-run opening partnership with Shubman Gill (28), giving India a solid start.
While captain Suryakumar Yadav (12) and vice-captain Shubman Gill once again failed to convert their starts into big scores, the chase remained under control. Tilak Varma contributed a composed 26, while Shivam Dube finished the match in style, remaining unbeaten on 10, including a six and a four to seal the victory.
India’s fielding unit also impressed, applying pressure throughout the innings, though a few missed chances prevented South Africa from being restricted to an even lower total.
With this comprehensive win, India have taken a 2–1 lead in the series and will look to build on their momentum in the upcoming matches as they aim to seal the contest against South Africa.
