Abhishek Sharma’s brisk start and a disciplined bowling effort led by Varun Chakravarthy powered India to a seven-wicket victory over South Africa in the third Twenty20 International on Sunday, giving the hosts a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
On a seam-friendly surface at the HPCA Stadium, India bowled South Africa out for 117 before chasing down the target with 25 balls to spare. Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav took two wickets each, while Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube claimed one apiece as South Africa slumped to 30-4 inside seven overs.
India’s reply was anchored by Abhishek, who scored 35 from 18 balls to dominate the powerplay. Shubman Gill made 28, Tilak Varma added an unbeaten 25, while Suryakumar Yadav was dismissed for 12 as India reached 120 for three in 15.5 overs.
South Africa’s innings was held together by captain Aiden Markram, who scored 61 off 46 balls, but he found little support, with only Donovan Ferreira (20) and Anrich Nortje (12) reaching double figures. The visitors struggled throughout against swing and seam movement in cool conditions.
Arshdeep provided India an early breakthrough by trapping Reeza Hendricks lbw before Rana removed Quinton de Kock and Dewald Brevis in quick succession. Pandya reached 100 T20I wickets when Tristan Stubbs edged behind, while Dube dismissed Corbin Bosch as South Africa failed to build any meaningful partnerships.
Ferreira briefly counter-attacked before being bowled by Chakravarthy, who later dismissed Marco Jansen. Markram brought up his fifty but was eventually caught behind off Arshdeep. Kuldeep wrapped up the innings by removing Nortje and Ottniel Baartman in the final over.
Brief scores: South Africa 117 all out; India 120-3 in 15.5 overs. India lead the five-match series 2-1.
-IANS
