India crushed South Africa by seven wickets in the third T20I of the five-match series at Dharamshala. After inviting South Africa to bat first, India bowled them out for 120 in 20 overs. Aiden Markram scored a superb 61 off 46 balls, holding one end together as wickets fell regularly around him.
Arshdeep Singh (2/13 in four overs) and Varun Chakaravarthy (2/11 in four overs) wreaked havoc on the South African batting line-up. Harshit Rana and Kuldeep Yadav also picked up two wickets each, while Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube claimed one wicket each.
While chasing, Abhishek Sharma gave India a flying start. When he was dismissed in the sixth over, India were cruising at the halfway mark. Although India lost a few wickets during the chase, Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube completed the task comfortably with 25 balls to spare.
With this win, India now lead the series 2–1.
Early strikes put South Africa under pressure
India seized control early by exploiting helpful conditions for fast bowlers. Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana struck quickly and set the tone. Rana played in place of Jasprit Bumrah, who was on leave, and delivered an impressive spell.
Arshdeep removed Reeza Hendricks with a ball that seamed back sharply. He bowled consistently on a good length. Rana followed up by swinging the ball late. He dismissed Quinton de Kock with a full delivery and then removed Dewald Brevis, who dragged on a wide half-volley. South Africa slipped to 7 for 3 in just over three overs.
Markram fights, but support falls away
Aiden Markram tried to steady the innings. He added runs with Tristan Stubbs through the rest of the powerplay. However, Stubbs never looked comfortable. Hardik Pandya drew an edge to remove him, making it 30 for 4.
Shivam Dube struck soon after. He trapped Corbin Bosch with a ball that jagged back sharply. South Africa struggled to build partnerships. Dropped catches gave them brief hope, but India kept tightening the grip.
Varun shuts the door in middle overs
South Africa showed some resistance in the middle. Donovon Ferreira hit a no-look six off Kuldeep Yadav. It was the first boundary by a batter other than Markram. For a short while, India faced two attacking batters at the crease.
However, Varun Chakravarthy ended that phase quickly. He dismissed Ferreira with a wrong’un that beat him completely. In the next over, he removed Marco Jansen in similar fashion. Varun finished with four overs for just 11 runs and two wickets. He ensured South Africa never recovered.
Arshdeep cleans up after Markram’s fifty
Markram continued to battle. He punished Rana late in the innings and reached his half-century. His knock pushed South Africa past 100. Still, the total remained below par on a pitch offering movement.
Just as South Africa hoped for 140, Arshdeep struck again. Markram edged a slot ball in the 19th over. Kuldeep Yadav then picked up two tail-end wickets in the final over. South Africa folded for 117.
Abhishek gives India a flying start
India began the chase aggressively. Abhishek Sharma set the tone from the first over. He swivelled inside the line and pulled Lungi Ngidi for six. He followed it with a bold charge for four.
Abhishek continued the assault against Marco Jansen and Ottneil Baartman. A six in the fifth over brought up India’s fifty. It also took Abhishek to 44 sixes inside the first six overs of T20I innings. He now equals KL Rahul’s mark, achieved in far fewer matches. Only Rohit Sharma has more.
Abhishek scored 35 off just 18 balls. His intent removed all pressure from the chase.
India absorb wobble and finish comfortably
With a low target, Shubman Gill took time to settle. Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav struggled against seam movement. Suryakumar hit two fours but scored only 12 off 11 balls.
Still, the early burst from Abhishek proved decisive. India lost a few wickets but never felt threatened. They crossed the line comfortably and reclaimed the series lead.
Twenty more runs for South Africa, or an early dismissal of Abhishek, could have made the contest closer. Instead, India dominated both innings.