With the five-match T20I series locked at 1-1, India and South Africa head to Dharamsala for Sunday’s third encounter knowing a win here could prove decisive in shaping the remainder of the contest.
India drew first blood with a commanding 101-run win in Cuttack, only for South Africa to produce a dramatic turnaround in the second match at New Chandigarh, exposing vulnerabilities on both sides and setting up a fascinating mid-series battle.
Proteas Hit Back in Style
After being bowled out for their lowest-ever T20I total of 74 in the opening game, South Africa responded emphatically in the second match. Quinton de Kock led the charge with a scintillating 90, while vital middle-order contributions powered the visitors to an imposing 213. India never found momentum in the chase and folded for 162, slipping to a 51-run defeat that underlined how quickly the balance can shift in the shortest format.
India’s Batting Order Under the Scanner
For India, the lack of runs from captain Suryakumar Yadav and vice-captain Shubman Gill has emerged as a concern. The top order has yet to fire collectively, leaving the middle order under pressure in both matches.
Abhishek Sharma, heavily relied upon in recent months, has managed just 17 runs across the first two games. While Hardik Pandya rescued India with an unbeaten 56 in the opener, and Tilak Varma battled with a lone 62 in the second match, sustained partnerships have been missing. India’s experiment of promoting Axar Patel to No. 3 also failed to yield the desired impact, highlighting uncertainty around defined batting roles.
‘Everyone Is Flexible’: Tilak on Batting Roles
Tilak Varma, however, played down concerns about the batting order, stressing adaptability over fixed positions.
Everyone is flexible except openers. Everyone is open to bat anywhere. I am ready to bat at 3, 4, 5, 6, or anywhere the team wants. If you are mentally strong, you can do well at any number.
Bowling Plans Tested Under Dew
India’s bowlers also struggled in the second match as heavy dew at Mullanpur blunted their effectiveness. After strong spells in the opener, Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah endured rare off nights, conceding 54 and 45 runs respectively without taking a wicket.
Captain Suryakumar admitted the team lacked a Plan B, with only Varun Chakravarthy managing to slow the South African onslaught. The Proteas, naturally, will hope Bumrah’s lean outing remains an exception rather than a blip. The Proteas, naturally, will hope Bumrah’s lean outing remains an exception rather than a blip.
On a night when he’s off, you’ve got to take what you can get. He’s a world-class performer, and I’m sure he’ll be back to his best again later in the series.
Selection Calls Loom for India
After fielding an unchanged XI in the second match, India may look to tweak their combination. Harshit Rana is in contention, while Kuldeep Yadav could also come into the frame, though the management faces tough calls on who makes way.
South Africa Settle on Their Formula
South Africa, meanwhile, appear closer to finding their ideal combination. Their pace unit has impressed in both matches, with Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi providing early breakthroughs and Lutho Sipamla and Ottneil Baartman applying sustained pressure through the middle overs.
De Kock’s return from retirement has been an immediate boost, even as Aiden Markram searches for form. The continued consistency of David Miller and Donovan Ferreira has further strengthened the visitors’ middle order. The Proteas rotated their side in the second match, making three changes, and it remains to be seen whether they persist with that approach in Dharamsala.
Dharamsala Conditions and the Toss
Despite being traditionally challenging for chasing sides, Dharamsala is expected to offer another high-scoring surface.
I’ve played here before in Under-19 cricket. We’ll watch the wicket, but I think it will be a high-scoring one. We’ll play with positive intent.
He added that batting first or second may not matter significantly. “Because the weather is cold, there’s a bit of seam and swing. Dew comes in after 7 pm, but I don’t think it changes things too much.”
Everything to Play For
India’s defeat in the second T20I was only their third loss in 17 matches this year and the first time they lost after winning the toss. With conditions expected to assist both bat and ball, Sunday’s clash promises another tight contest as both sides push to seize control of the series.
Probable Playing XIs: India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (capt.), Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.
South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram (capt.), Reeza Hendricks, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman, Anrich Nortje.
