India stormed back into the series with a seven-wicket win in seam-friendly Dharamsala, bowling South Africa out for 117 before sealing the chase despite a brief wobble.
With Jasprit Bumrah absent, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana struck early to rip through South Africa’s top order. Arshdeep removed Reeza Hendricks with a beauty that nipped back sharply, while Rana’s late swing accounted for Quinton de Kock and Dewald Brevis as the visitors slipped to 7 for 3.
Aiden Markram fought a lone battle with a composed 61, but support was scarce as India’s bowlers kept tightening the screws. Varun Chakravarthy’s miserly 2 for 11 shut down any hopes of a recovery, while Kuldeep Yadav cleaned up the tail after Markram fell edging Arshdeep in the 19th over.
Chasing a modest target, Abhishek Sharma blasted 35 off 18 balls, effectively killing the contest inside the powerplay. His fearless hitting allowed India breathing space even as wickets fell around him, with Tilak Varma anchoring the rest of the chase.
India crossed the line at 120 for 3, reclaiming the series lead 2-1 and underlining their depth and adaptability in testing conditions.
