3rd T20I: India beat SA by 7 wickets to take 2-1 lead

India’s pace attack delivered a masterclass in swing bowling to set up a comfortable seven-wicket victory over South Africa in the third T20I, giving the hosts a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. Abhishek Sharma’s brisk innings and disciplined bowling from the seamers ensured India chased down a modest target of 118 with ease.
Chasing 118, India’s openers wasted no time in asserting dominance. Vice-captain Shubman Gill (28 off 28 balls) and Abhishek Sharma (35 off 18 balls) added 60 runs in just 5.2 overs, effectively sealing the contest early. Sharma signaled intent from the very first ball, smashing a six and carting Lungi Ngidi for 16 runs in the opening over. Gill joined the assault in the second over, adding another 16 runs as India raced to 32 without loss.
Abhishek continued in his aggressive style until a stunning catch by Aiden Markram off Corbin Bosch ended his stay. From there, India’s chase settled into a calmer rhythm. Gill, who survived an early DRS call, played a steady knock before dragging a Marco Jansen delivery onto his stumps. Tilak Varma (26 not out) ensured stability, while skipper Suryakumar Yadav fell before the finish. India eventually reached the target in 15.5 overs, with minimal fuss.
The foundation of India’s win was laid by their pacers, who dismantled South Africa’s batting with lethal swing and movement. Opting to bowl first, India reduced the visitors to 25/3 in the powerplay, conceding just two boundaries in that phase. Arshdeep Singh (2/13) redeemed himself after a poor outing in Mullanpur, producing a dream spell. He angled deliveries away from Reeza Hendricks before jagging one back to trap him leg-before with DRS assistance.
Harshit Rana (2/34) mirrored the approach against Quinton de Kock, trapping him with a nip-backer. Dewald Brevis was bowled attempting a release shot, leaving South Africa reeling at 7/3 in 3.1 overs. Hardik Pandya (1/23) added to the tally, dismissing Tristan Stubbs to complete his 100th T20I wicket, becoming only the third Indian bowler to achieve the milestone after Arshdeep and Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah missed the match due to personal reasons, while Kuldeep Yadav replaced the unwell Axar Patel.
South African skipper Aiden Markram offered the only significant resistance, scoring a spirited 61 off 46 balls. He struck fluent drives and reached his fifty with a slashed six off Rana. However, wickets fell regularly around him, with Stubbs and Bosch departing in quick succession. Donovan Ferreira (20) briefly threatened but was undone by Varun Chakravarthy, who claimed 2/11 in four overs and reached his 50th T20I wicket milestone. Chakravarthy also dismissed Jansen, ensuring South Africa never recovered momentum.
Despite Markram’s late surge, including 19 runs in the 18th over, South Africa’s innings folded at 117, far below par against India’s disciplined attack.
India’s victory was defined by their pacers’ brilliance under Dharamsala’s cool skies, supported by effective spin from Chakravarthy. Abhishek Sharma’s explosive start and Gill’s steady contribution ensured the chase was straightforward. With the win, India now lead the series 2-1, while South Africa will need to regroup quickly to stay alive in the remaining matches.
Brief Scores:
South Africa: 117 all out in 20 overs (Aiden Markram 61; Arshdeep Singh 2/13, Harshit Rana 2/34, Hardik Pandya 1/23, Varun Chakravarthy 2/11, Shivam Dube 1/21).
India: 120 for 3 in 15.5 overs (Abhishek Sharma 35, Shubman Gill 28, Tilak Varma 26 not out; Corbin Bosch 1/18).