by: Atif Amin
India played a perfect game in all departments against South Africa to win the 3rd T20I by 48 runs. With this win they stay alive in the five match series. South Africa lead 5 match series 2-1.
South Africa Captain Temba Bavuma again won the toss and inserted India in. Both India openers scored half centuries Ruturaj Gaikwad (57) and Ishan Kishan (54) and put on a solid 97 for the first wicket in the first ten overs. Hardik Pandya scored 31*(21) balls as India finished on 179/5. India eventually fell short by 15 to 20 runs as 200 was expected after the start they got.
However India fought back well in bowling and fielding to bowl South Africa out for 131. South African middle order which was back bone of their victories in the first 2 matches was found wanting as Chahal bowled brilliantly and took 3 wickets for 20 runs. Harshal Patel claimed 4 wickets for 25 runs.
Chahal was declared Man of the Match for his 3 wickets and 2 catches. The 4th T20I will be played on June 17 in Rajkot.
Brief Match Score:
India 179/5 (Ruturaj Gaikwad 57, Ishan kishan 54)
South Africa 131/10 (Klaasen 29, Harshal Patel 4/25, Chahal 3/20)
Result: India won by 48 runs
