Sometimes, a match is remembered not for the biggest score but for the moments that quietly turn the game on its head. That was exactly the case in Dharamsala, where India wrapped up a comfortable win against South Africa, yet the spotlight shifted from flashy batting to disciplined, ruthless bowling.
India’s chase of a modest 118-run target on December 14 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium was never in doubt. Leading the charge was world No. 1 T20I batter Abhishek Sharma who once again showed his attacking instincts at the top. The 25 years old left-hander smashed 35 runs off just 18 balls, striking three fours and three sixes. His brisk knock ensured India cruised to the target in 15.5 overs, losing only three wickets and sealing the match by seven wickets.
Despite being the top-scorer, Abhishek Sharma had to step aside when the Player of the Match award was announced. That honour went to his Punjab teammate Arshdeep Singh whose spell with the new ball had already decided the contest. Arshdeep finished with figures of two wickets for just 13 runs in his four overs, once again underlining why he is India’s leading wicket-taker in T20 internationals.
Arshdeep Singh set the tone immediately by striking in the very first over. He trapped South African opener Reeza Hendricks in front of the stumps on the fourth delivery. Although the on-field umpire initially gave it not out, Arshdeep was convinced and urged skipper Suryakumar Yadav to review. The decision was overturned, replays showed the ball hitting the stumps and Reeza Hendricks walked back for a three-ball duck. That breakthrough gave India early control and lifted the energy in the stadium.
The bowling effort did not stop there. Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav all chipped in with two wickets each, ensuring South Africa never recovered from the early damage. Arshdeep Singh’s opening strike also helped him achieve a personal milestone, as he surpassed Bhuvneshwar Kumar to become India’s highest powerplay wicket-taker in T20Is, moving to 48 wickets in the first six overs. Bhuvneshwar now stands at 47.
On the global list, former New Zealand pacer Tim Southee still leads with 58 powerplay wickets, followed by Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi with 55. Adding a personal touch to a memorable evening, Arshdeep dedicated his Player of the Match award to his 10-month-old niece who was present in the stadium during the match.
It was a night where teamwork shone but Arshdeep Singh’s calm brilliance made it special.
