On Sunday, December 14, the third T20I of the ongoing five-match series between India and South Africa took place at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala. It was a one-sided match, with the Men in Blue claiming a 2-1 series lead after a resounding seven-wicket victory.
The Proteas’ batting effort, having lost the toss, was pitiful as they were dismissed for 117. Captain Aiden Markram was the only bright spark; knocking 61 from 46 balls in difficult circumstances.
The Indian bowlers created havoc in the crucial encounter. Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy and Harshit Rana each took two wickets as Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube bagged one apiece.
India chased down the target in 15.5 overs with ease. Abhishek Sharma (35 off 18 balls) was the highest run-scorer for SRH batting at number three while Bairstow and Pandey followed him. Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch took a wicket apiece.
Arshdeep was selected Player of the Match for his impressive performance. On that point, here are three game highlights that sparked fan excitement.
1. Abhishek Sharma gets India chase off the block with a terrific six off the first ball
Abhishek Sharma came out firing from the very start of the chase. He opened the innings with a cracking six on the very first delivery.
Pacer Lungi Ngidi began with a short-of-length ball on the leg stump, and Abhishek got India off the mark in style by sending it over deep fine leg for a maximum.
You can see the video of the six below:
#AbhishekSharma wastes no time, six off the first ball as Team India begin on a positive note. 🔥#INDvSA 3rd T20I | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/TBYQYBG4F9 pic.twitter.com/Nnpf8KJebo
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 14, 20252. Arshdeep Singh’s smart plan to dismiss Reeza Hendricks
Arshdeep Singh bowled an outstanding opening over, using a clever setup to outfox Reeza Hendricks. The left-arm pacer started with two outswingers to the batter before delivering a sharp nip-backer that trapped Hendricks LBW.
The young bowler handed his side a big breakthrough by dismissing the opener for a three-ball duck.
Here’s the video of the wicket:
First over, first breakthrough!
#ArshdeepSingh puts India on top straightaway. 🔥#INDvSA 3rd T20I | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/TBYQYBG4F9 pic.twitter.com/iJxOWJG6KV
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 14, 20253. Brilliant catch from Aiden Markram to remove Abhishek Sharma
Abhishek Sharma tore the South African bowlers apart during his whirlwind knock, striking at 194.44, smashing three sixes and three fours.
His fiery knock was cut short due to a brilliant effort from Aiden Markram after he fell in the sixth over. Trying for a big shot off Corbin Bosch, Abhishek got a top edge which flew in the air.
Markram at cover ran back and took a smart catch to dismiss the Indian batter.
Tracked it all the way. Brilliant catch ! 👏🔥 pic.twitter.com/jVWA5wd1Bx
— ∆мαx🧋 (@MarkramBot) December 14, 2025The fifth T20I of the five-match series between India and South Africa will be held at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Friday, December 17.
