Dharamsala, December 14, 2025 — India produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat South Africa by seven wickets in the third T20 International on Sunday, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match series at Dharamsala.
After being asked to bat first, South Africa struggled from the outset as India’s pacers exploited the lively conditions. Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana generated movement both off the pitch and through the air, reducing the Proteas to early trouble inside the Powerplay. The visitors were never able to recover, with wickets falling at regular intervals.
South African captain Aiden Markram offered lone resistance, scoring a fighting 61, but received little support from the other batters. Varun Chakaravarthy, Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya tightened the screws in the middle overs as South Africa were bowled out for just 117. Arshdeep Singh was the standout bowler with figures of 2 for 13, while Varun Chakaravarthy also claimed two wickets and completed 50 T20I wickets in the process.
In response, India made light work of the modest target. Openers got off to a flying start, with Abhishek Sharma launching an aggressive assault that effectively ended the contest within the first five overs. India raced to 60 inside the Powerplay, putting South Africa firmly on the back foot.
Although the Proteas managed to slow the scoring slightly after Abhishek’s dismissal, brief struggles from Shubman Gill and Tilak Varma did little to alter the outcome. India comfortably chased down the target with plenty of overs to spare.
Arshdeep Singh was named Player of the Match for his incisive spell, crediting a return to basics and trust in his skillset for the turnaround after the previous game. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav praised his team’s response to the setback in the second T20I, highlighting the importance of learning and execution.
South Africa skipper Aiden Markram admitted his side was outplayed early, acknowledging that India’s bowlers hit the right areas consistently. He stressed the need to adapt better to similar conditions going forward.
With two matches remaining, the series now moves to Lucknow for the fourth T20I on December 17, where South Africa will look to level the contest and India will aim to seal the series.