Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh – India registered a commanding seven-wicket victory over South Africa in the India vs South Africa 3rd T20I at Dharamshala on Sunday, taking a crucial 2-1 lead in the ongoing five-match series. The comprehensive win was built on exceptional bowling performance that restricted the visitors to a mere 117 runs, followed by a clinical run-chase that saw India reach the target with more than four overs to spare.
India’s Bowling Masterclass Dismantles South Africa
The India vs South Africa 3rd T20I began with Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav winning the toss and electing to bowl first, a decision that proved instrumental in India’s victory. The bowling unit delivered a collective masterclass, systematically dismantling the South African batting lineup and bowling them out for just 117 runs in the full quota of 20 overs.
The collapse began immediately as Arshdeep Singh struck in the very first over, removing Reeza Hendricks for a three-ball duck. The early breakthrough set the tone for what would become a dominant bowling display throughout the innings.
Harshit Rana and Early Breakthroughs
Harshit Rana provided India with the crucial early wicket by removing the dangerous Quinton de Kock for just 1 run. This dismissal in the India vs South Africa 3rd T20I left South Africa reeling at 2/2 after just two overs, putting immense pressure on the middle order to rebuild the innings.
The South African batting lineup struggled to find any rhythm against the disciplined Indian bowling attack, with wickets falling at regular intervals preventing any substantial partnerships from developing.
Varun Chakaravarthy’s Spin Magic
Varun Chakaravarthy emerged as one of the standout performers in the India vs South Africa 3rd T20I, claiming crucial wickets at critical junctures. The spinner removed Marco Jansen and later dismissed Donovan Ferreira, who was attempting to stage a comeback for South Africa with a fighting knock of 20 off 15 balls.
Chakaravarthy’s variations and control kept the South African batsmen guessing throughout his spell, making run-scoring extremely difficult on a surface that offered assistance to the spinners.
Hardik Pandya Reaches Milestone
India’s vice-captain Hardik Pandya reached a significant personal milestone during the India vs South Africa 3rd T20I by claiming his 100th T20I wicket. The historic dismissal came when he removed Tristan Stubbs for 9 runs, adding another chapter to his impressive international career.
Shivam Dube also contributed with the ball, beginning his spell in the 11th over and immediately making an impact by removing Corbin Bosch for 4 runs off the very first delivery.
Kuldeep Yadav Seals the Innings
Kuldeep Yadav provided the finishing touches to South Africa’s innings in the India vs South Africa 3rd T20I, claiming the final two wickets. The left-arm wrist spinner first removed Anrich Nortje (12) and then dismissed Baartman (1) off the final ball of the innings, completing South Africa’s collapse to 117 all out.
Abhishek Sharma’s Explosive Start
Chasing a modest target of 118 runs, India received an explosive start from opener Abhishek Sharma in the India vs South Africa 3rd T20I. The left-handed batsman smashed 35 runs off just 18 balls, an innings decorated with three boundaries and three sixes that put India firmly in control of the run-chase.
Sharma’s aggressive approach set the platform for a comfortable victory, taking the pressure off the middle order and ensuring India maintained a healthy run rate throughout the chase.
Gill’s Steady Contribution
While Abhishek Sharma provided fireworks at one end during the India vs South Africa 3rd T20I, Shubman Gill anchored the innings with a measured knock of 28 runs off 28 balls. Although his strike rate was considerably lower, Gill’s presence ensured stability during the chase.
The opening partnership gave India a strong foundation, reaching 50 runs before Abhishek departed for 35. Lungi Ngidi later removed captain Suryakumar Yadav, while Marco Jansen dismissed Gill, but by then India had already established complete control.
Dube Delivers Winning Blow
Shivam Dube hit the match-winning boundary in the India vs South Africa 3rd T20I, finishing unbeaten on 10 runs. Tilak Varma remained not out on 25, providing valuable support during the chase. India reached 120/3 in just 15.5 overs, completing a comfortable seven-wicket victory with 25 balls remaining.
Series Implications and Road Ahead
The victory in the India vs South Africa 3rd T20I gives India a 2-1 lead in the five-match series with two games remaining. The comprehensive nature of this win, achieved through both exceptional bowling and confident batting, will boost India’s confidence heading into the remaining matches.
The India vs South Africa 3rd T20I showcased India’s depth in both batting and bowling departments, with multiple players stepping up to contribute to the victory. As the series progresses, India will look to maintain this momentum and secure the series win, while South Africa faces the challenge of bouncing back to level the series in the upcoming encounters.
