India vs South Africa 3rd T20I: Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma's crucial knocks, coupled with the bowlers' earlier brilliance, propelled India to a comfortable 7-wicket win over South Africa, handing them a 2-1 lead in the five-match T20I series at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Sunday. 

India's bowlers set the tone for a compelling triumph, restricting South Africa to a paltry 117. The Indian batters then chased down the target with ease, thanks to Abhishek Sharma's tumultuous 35 and Shubman Gill's slow 28.

ALSO READ: IND vs SA 3rd T20I Scorecard

Tilak Varma anchored the chase with an unbeaten 26, guiding India to 120 for 3 in 15.5 overs, with 25 balls to spare. 

Chasing 118, Abhishek and Gill never allowed the South African bowlers to find their footing, as the former hauled Lungi Ngidi for 16 runs in the first over. In fact, the first ball of the chase went for a maximum.

ALSO READ: IND vs SA: India Bowlers' Brilliance In Dharamsala Bundle Out South Africa For 117 In 3rd T20I

In the second over, Gill too joined his partner to gather 16 runs as India raced to 32 for no loss in the initial two overs. It required a gem of a catch by Aiden Markram in the deep off Corbin Bosch to snap Abhishek's stay.

Once the left-hander was removed, India's chase of the remaining 58 runs dropped into a much more sedate rhythm as Gill, who was saved by a DRS call early in his innings, and Tilak Varma (26 not out) did not look for any venture.

Gill eventually pulled a Marco Jansen delivery back onto his stumps, and skipper Suryakumar Yadav too failed to remain till the end.

ALSO READ: IND vs SA: Jasprit Bumrah Misses Third T20I Against South Africa Due To Personal Reasons, Update On Availability Awaited

India's pacers pocketed the show with a sensational display of swing bowling, restricting South Africa to a paltry 117. Leading India's performance with early wickets were Arshdeep Singh (2/13), Harshit Rana (2/34) and Hardik Pandya (1/23) after the hosts chose to bowl.

Skipper Aiden Markram presented a tiny spark for South Africa with a spirited 46-ball 61. Markram bought his fifty off 41 balls with a slashed six off Rana, as the 18th over produced 19 runs.