On a cold night in Dharamsala, India increased their intensity and defeated South Africa by seven wickets in the third T20 match on Sunday(December 14, 2025).

Match Summary

India was ruthless with their bowling after deciding to bowl first, dismissing South Africa for just 117 runs.

Abhishek Sharma hit Lungi Ngidi for a massive six to start the simple chase, which was completed in just 15.5 overs.

A fiery Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana put South Africa in a tough spot during the PowerPlay.

Arshdeep made the new ball swing sharply away, and when he brought one back in, he had Reeza Hendricks trapped in front.

In sharp contrast to the many wides he bowled in the previous game, Arshdeep (two for 13) nailed the perfect line and length in this game.

Harshit, who stepped in because Jasprit Bumrah had to head home for personal matters, dismissed in-form batter Quinton de Kock with a fast delivery.

When Hardik Pandya came on to bowl, as the all-rounder got a nick from Tristan Stubbs, marking his 100th T20 wicket.

Wickets kept falling, with seamer Shivam Dube and spinner Varun Chakravarthy also getting in on the action.

Only captain Aiden Markram (61, 46b, 6×4, 2×6) showed some fight. His patience paid off when he smashed Harshit for two sixes and a four in the 18th over – a rare highlight for South Africa.

Even though India dropped four catches, South Africa was restricted to the lowest men’s T20I team total at this venue.

The large crowd at the HPCA Stadium loved every moment of India’s innings.

At the end of the Powerplay, Abhishek (35 runs in 18 balls) and Shubman Gill (28 runs in 28 balls) led the team to 68 for one,leaving the Proteas with no escape.

Markram created yet another memorable moment by running back a considerable distance and making an incredible catch to dismiss Abhishek.

Captain Suryakumar Yadav (12 runs, 11 balls), didn’t quite shine in this brief appearance.

The star batsman from the second T20 International, Tilak Varma, kept his good form going with an unbeaten 26.

This victory, thanks to a stellar bowling display, gave India a 2-1 advantage in the five-match series.

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