India produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat South Africa by seven wickets in the third T20I at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium. After electing to bowl first, the Indian bowlers dismantled the Proteas’ batting lineup before the hosts chased down a modest target with ease to take full control of the contest.

Arshdeep Singh choke South Africa with splendid bowling

The decision to bowl first paid immediate dividends for India as the pace trio made early inroads into South Africa’s top order. Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks were dismissed cheaply, leaving the visitors under pressure inside the powerplay. Arshdeep Singh was exceptional with the new ball, conceding just 13 runs in his four overs while picking up two wickets. Varun Chakaravarthy complemented him perfectly in the middle overs, using his variations to great effect and finishing with impressive figures of 2 for 11.

Harshit Rana’s aggressive spells brought further breakthroughs, although he was slightly expensive, while Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dubey chipped in with a wicket apiece. Kuldeep Yadav’s short spell was equally impactful as he struck twice in just two overs, ensuring South Africa never found a way to accelerate.

Aiden Markram’s resistance stands out

Amid the collapse around him, South Africa skipper Aiden Markram played a lone hand to give his side some respectability. Markram scored a well-compiled 61 off 46 balls, striking six fours and two sixes, and showed composure as wickets fell at regular intervals at the other end. Donovan Ferreira provided brief support with a quick 20 off 15 balls, but no other batter managed to reach double figures with any authority. South Africa were eventually bowled out for 117 in exactly 20 overs, a total that always looked below par on a true Dharamsala surface.

Batters finish chase with ease as India take a lead

India’s reply began on a positive note as Abhishek Sharma took on the South African bowlers from the outset. The left-hander smashed 35 off just 18 balls, including three fours and three sixes, to give the hosts early momentum. Although wickets fell at intervals, India never allowed the required run rate to climb.

Shubman Gill anchored the innings with a composed 28 off 28 balls, rotating the strike effectively, while Tilak Varma played a calm knock of 26 from 34 deliveries to ensure there were no late hiccups. Suryakumar Yadav added a brisk 12 before Shivam Dubey finished the chase in style with a quickfire 10 off four balls.

Despite Good luck and Marco Jansen picking up a wicket each, South Africa’s bowlers were unable to apply sustained pressure. India reached 120 for 3 in 15.5 overs, sealing a comprehensive seven-wicket victory. The win underlined India’s bowling depth and batting composure as they outplayed South Africa in all departments in the third T20I.

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