After a disappointing performance in the second T20I, India reclaimed the series lead on the back of their fast bowlers. Indian pacers bowled out South Africa for just 117 in seam-friendly conditions at Dharamsala.
It was Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana who set the tone for the match after taking three wickets in the power play. Harshit was playing in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, who was on leave for personal reasons. They received adequate support from other bowlers, including Hardik Pandya, Varun Chakravarthy, and Kuldeep Yadav.
From South Africa’s side, Aiden Markram was the one who kept his team in the fight with a half-century. Despite his brilliant performance, the South African team was short 15-20 runs, according to experts. This could have been a fighting total since we know about their pace firepower.
However, it wasn’t to be. Abhishek Sharma started the Indian innings in his usual swag and made 35 off just 18 balls. That gave India a cushion even if its innings had wobbled in later parts of the match. Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube also took one wicket each in their first overs. Having said that, Varun Chakravarthy was the one who cramped South Africa for runs with his 11 runs for 2 wickets in four overs. He also took the wicket of Donovan Ferreira, the only batter apart from Markram to reach a double-digit score.
Arshdeep redeemed himself in this match after going for 0 for 54 in the last game. On a good pitch in Dharamsala, he bowled the perfect first over for India. He showed everyone how to bowl if you get a decent pitch. He bowled three balls to Reeza Hendricks on a similar good length on middle and leg. He beat Hendricks on the third ball that nipped back in to trap him in front.
Rana also swung the ball late and got some movement as well. After 3.1 overs, South Africa were 3 down for 7 runs. Markram and Stubbs saw through the rest of the power before Stubbs edged one to make 30 for 4 in the seventh over off Hardik Pandya’s ball.
