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IND vs SA 3rd T20I: Indian Bowlers Dominate in Dharamshala as India Go Ahead in Series

IND vs SA 3rd T20I: Bowlers Shine, Abhishek Sharma’s Blitz Powers India to 7-Wicket Win in Dharamshala

After a sensational bowling performance, Abhishek Sharma’s explosive innings helped Team India defeat South Africa by seven wickets in the third T20I played in Dharamshala. With this victory, India took a 2–1 lead in the five-match T20 series.

Batting first after losing the toss, South Africa were bowled out for just 117 runs in 20 overs. In reply, India comfortably chased down the target in 15.5 overs.

Arshdeep Singh Strikes Early

South Africa got off to a disastrous start as Arshdeep Singh provided India with an early breakthrough in the very first over. He trapped Reeza Hendricks LBW on the fourth delivery. Although the on-field umpire turned down the appeal, India opted for a review, which confirmed the decision. Hendricks returned to the pavilion without scoring.

Quinton de Kock Dismissed Cheaply

India soon struck again with the dismissal of Quinton de Kock. Harshit Rana removed the South African opener LBW on the second ball of the second over. After scoring a blistering 90 in the previous match, de Kock managed just one run in this game.

South Africa suffered another blow when Brevis was bowled by Harshit Rana for just two runs in the fourth over.

Hardik Pandya Completes 100 T20I Wickets

India’s bowling dominance continued as Hardik Pandya dismissed Tristan Stubbs (9), caught by wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma. This wicket marked a major milestone for Pandya, as he completed 100 wickets in T20 Internationals. He became the first fast-bowling all-rounder to score over 1,000 runs and take 100 wickets in T20Is.

Shivam Dube then joined the attack and made an immediate impact by cleaning up Corbin Bosch, who scored four runs off nine balls. At this point, South Africa were reduced to 67 runs with half their side back in the pavilion.

Varun Chakravarthy added to the collapse by bowling Donovan Ferreira, and the remaining South African batters failed to put up any resistance, as the visitors were bundled out for 117 runs.

Markram’s Lone Resistance

South Africa captain Aiden Markram was the standout performer with the bat, scoring 61 runs. Marco Jansen contributed two runs, Anrich Nortje scored 12, and Ottniel Baartman added one run.

For India, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav picked up two wickets each, while Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube claimed one wicket apiece.

India’s Explosive Start in the Chase

Chasing a modest target of 118 runs, India got off to a flying start courtesy of openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill. The duo attacked from the outset, adding 60 runs in just 32 balls.

India lost their first wicket in the final over of the powerplay when Abhishek Sharma was caught out after a blazing knock of 35 runs off 18 balls, which included three fours and three sixes.

Gill’s Slow Knock, India Finish Comfortably

Tilak Varma joined Gill at the crease and steadied the innings. The pair added 32 runs for the second wicket in 38 balls. Gill was run out in the 12th over while attempting a quick single, scoring 28 runs off 28 balls. The wicket went to Marco Jansen.

Captain Suryakumar Yadav also failed to stay till the end, scoring 12 runs off 11 balls with two boundaries. Tilak Varma remained unbeaten on 25 off 34 balls, while Shivam Dube finished the chase with a quick 10 runs off four balls.

India completed the chase in 15.5 overs, registering a dominant seven-wicket victory and moving ahead 2–1 in the T20 series.