When the five-match T20 series between India and South Africa moved to the scenic ground in Dharamshala, everyone was expecting a tight contest. With the series locked at 1-1, this third match was crucial. But what unfolded was a story of complete and utter dominance by the Indian team, who won the toss, put the Proteas in to bat, and simply never let them get into the game.
Key Highlights
- ✓ South Africa were bundled out for just 117 runs in their 20 overs after India won the toss and chose to bowl.
- ✓ Aiden Markram was the lone fighter for the Proteas, scoring a valiant 61 runs while wickets tumbled around him.
- ✓ A disciplined Indian bowling attack saw Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshit Rana each pick up two wickets.
- ✓ Hardik Pandya achieved a massive milestone, picking up his 100th wicket in T20 International cricket.
- ✓ India chased down the target comfortably, with Abhishek Sharma smashing a quickfire 35 off just 18 balls to set the tone.
A Masterclass in Bowling
It all started with the toss. Captain Suryakumar Yadav called it right and didn't hesitate to bowl first. The Indian team made two key changes for this match, bringing in spinner Kuldeep Yadav and pacer Harshit Rana for Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah. And boy, did those changes pay off in a big way.
The South African innings never really got going. It was a procession of wickets right from the start. Arshdeep Singh drew first blood, sending Reeza Hendricks back to the pavilion without scoring a single run. The pressure mounted immediately, and soon after, Harshit Rana got into the act, dismissing the dangerous Quinton de Kock for just one run. The visitors were reeling at 2 wickets for just 2 runs in 2 overs.
The situation went from bad to worse for the Proteas when Dewald Brevis was clean bowled by Rana for a paltry 2. At the end of the powerplay, South Africa had crawled to just 25 runs for the loss of 3 wickets. The Indian bowlers had them on a tight leash, and it was clear they were in for a long evening.
Pandya's Historic Milestone
Amidst the clatter of wickets, Hardik Pandya etched his name into the history books. He came on to bowl and promptly dismissed Tristan Stubbs for 9 runs, giving India their fourth breakthrough. But this wasn't just any wicket—it was Hardik's 100th in T20 International cricket. He became the first Indian player to score over 2000 runs and take 100 wickets in the format, a truly remarkable all-round achievement.
The wickets just kept tumbling. Shivam Dube got in on the action by getting rid of Corbin Bosch for 4, and the spin duo of Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav then tightened the screws. Varun picked up two key wickets, including Donovan Ferreira who had made a brief cameo of 20 runs. The entire bowling unit was firing on all cylinders, and South Africa had absolutely no answers.
Markram's Lone Stand
While his teammates were struggling to even get into double digits, South African captain Aiden Markram played a completely different game. He stood like a rock at one end, watching the carnage unfold at the other. It was a true captain's knock under immense pressure, and he was the sole reason his team managed to cross the 100-run mark.
Markram fought his way to a crucial half-century, reaching the landmark in 41 balls. He continued to fight on, eventually being dismissed by Arshdeep Singh for a well-made 61. It was a commendable effort, but it was never going to be enough. When the dust finally settled, South Africa was all out for a meager 117 runs in their 20 overs. India's task was clear: get 118 runs to take a lead in the series.
The Chase: A Blistering Start
Chasing a small target can sometimes be tricky, but the Indian openers, Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma, were having none of that. They came out with aggressive intent, determined to finish the match quickly. Abhishek Sharma, in particular, was in a destructive mood. He started the Indian innings with a six, and the onslaught didn't stop there.
The first over from Lungi Ngidi went for a massive 16 runs. The second over, bowled by Marco Jansen, also went for 16. In just two overs, India had raced to 32 without loss, and the match was already slipping away from South Africa. The openers put on a clinic, reaching 49 runs in just 4 overs and bringing up the team's 50 inside 5 overs. The writing was on the wall.
Cruising to Victory
Abhishek Sharma's explosive innings finally came to an end when he was out for 35 runs off just 18 balls, thanks to a brilliant catch by Markram off the bowling of Corbin Bosch. But by then, the damage was done. India was at 68 for 1 after 6 overs, needing less than a run a ball.
Shubman Gill played a more measured innings, scoring 28 off 28 balls before he was bowled by Jansen. Captain Suryakumar Yadav came in and scored a quick 12 before being dismissed. At that point, India stood at 109 for 3, needing just 9 more runs to win. Tilak Varma, who was unbeaten on 25, and Shivam Dube were at the crease to see India through to a comprehensive victory, leveling the series in style.
Talking Points and Team Strategy
India's team selection proved to be a masterstroke. The decision to rest Bumrah and Axar and bring in Harshit Rana and Kuldeep Yadav worked wonders. Both bowlers made an immediate impact, picking up crucial wickets and justifying their inclusion. It shows the depth of talent in the Indian squad and the sharp tactical thinking from the team management, including coach Gautam Gambhir.
Interestingly, before the match, former cricketer Robin Uthappa had suggested his own playing eleven, which included Sanju Samson at number three. The team, however, stuck with their combination, and it clearly paid off. While fans have been vocal about the constant changes in the batting lineup, this performance will surely silence some of the critics for now.
Conclusion
In the end, the third T20I was a completely one-sided affair. India's bowlers set up the victory with a disciplined and aggressive performance, restricting South Africa to a sub-par total. Aiden Markram's heroic half-century was the only bright spot for the visitors. The Indian openers then made short work of the chase, ensuring a comfortable win that levels the 5-match series at 1-1. This dominant performance sends a strong message and sets the stage for a thrilling remainder of the series.
