The third T20 match between India and South Africa thrilled fans in Dharamshala. Achieving a decisive 7-wicket win, Team India now leads the 5-match series 2-1. In this crucial game, Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian captain, opted to bowl first after winning the toss. South Africa's innings crumbled at 117 runs. In reply, the Indian team decisively chased down the target in the 16th over, losing just 3 wickets along the way. The fourth match in the series will take place in Lucknow this Wednesday.
India's Impressive Innings
Chasing a target of 118, India got off to a flying start. Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma showcased some brilliant batting. However, India lost its first wicket in the 6th over, when Abhishek Sharma was dismissed after hitting 35 runs off 18 balls. But, Gill and Tilak Varma steadied the innings. At the 10th over, India's score stood strong at 88-1. In the 12th over, Shubman Gill departed after scoring 28 runs off 28 balls. The third wicket fell in the 15th over when Suryakumar Yadav was dismissed for 12 runs. Shivam Dube and Tilak Varma then elegantly brought India to victory in the 16th over. Tilak remained unbeaten at 25, while Shivam clinched 10 unbeaten runs. The anticipation now shifts as the series heads to Lucknow on Wednesday.
South Africa's Tough Batting Challenge
South Africa faced a challenging start to their innings. In the very first over, Arshdeep Singh stunned with Hendricks' dismissal, who couldn't score. The setback continued as Harshit Rana claimed Quinton de Kock's wicket in the next over. Harshit struck again in the fourth over, reducing South Africa to three wickets within 10 runs. By the 7th over, Hardik Pandya had added to South Africa's woes by capturing Stubbs' wicket, marking Hardik's 100th T20 wicket milestone.
In the 11th over, Shivam Dube took South Africa's fifth wicket, dismissing Bosch. South Africa was then left at just 44 runs. Varun took the sixth wicket, dismissing Ferreira in the 14th over. In the 16th over, Varun struck again, as Jansen fell after scoring 2 runs. In the 19th over, Arshdeep dismissed Markram, who had scored 61 runs. Kuldeep Yadav closed the innings in the final over, securing the wicket of Nortje and wrapping up South Africa’s innings at 117 runs.
Performance of Indian Bowlers
Indian bowlers exhibited exceptional skill in this match. Arshdeep Singh bowled 4 overs, conceding just 13 runs while taking 2 wickets. Harshit Rana also claimed 2 wickets. Hardik and Shivam Dube took a wicket each, while Varun and Kuldeep stood out with 2 wickets each, anchoring India to a commanding victory.
Two Changes in India's Playing XI
India made two strategic changes to its playing XI for this match. Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah were replaced by Harshit Rana and Kuldeep Yadav. Captain Surya explained that Axar Patel was unwell, while Bumrah had to return home for personal reasons but will be available for the remaining matches.
India (Playing XI):
Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy.
South Africa (Playing XI):
Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Ottniel Baartman.
