India beat South Africa by seven wickets, take 2-1 lead in T20I series

A disciplined bowling effort followed by a calm chase helped India defeat South Africa in the third, T20I with two matches still left in the series.

India registered a seven-wicket victory over South Africa in the third T20 International, moving ahead 2–1 in the five-match series.

Chasing a modest target of 118, India completed the run chase in 15.5 overs. Tilak Varma stayed unbeaten on 26, guiding the team home with composure. Abhishek Sharma provided early momentum, scoring 35 runs off just 18 balls, which included three fours and three sixes. His innings came to an end when he was dismissed by Corbin Bosch.

India’s top order had mixed returns. Shubman Gill scored 28, while skipper Suryakumar Yadav managed only 12, both falling short of expectations despite the manageable target.

Earlier, South Africa were bowled out for 117 in 20 overs. Captain Aiden Markram top-scored with a half-century, holding the innings together as wickets fell at regular intervals from the other end.

India’s bowlers shared the workload evenly. Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav picked up two wickets each, ensuring South Africa never gained control of the innings.

With this win, India now lead the series 2–1, and two matches remain, keeping the contest open but firmly tilting momentum in India’s favour.