Markram’s half-century in vain as India seal T20 Series with win over Proteas

Aiden Markram’s half-century proved not enough as South Africa succumbed to India in the third and final Twenty20 international on Sunday, with the hosts cruising to victory and clinching the series.

Batting first, the Proteas posted a competitive total, anchored by Markram’s composed 51. The South African captain kept the innings together after early losses, steering the middle overs with a mix of aggression and timing. But once he was dismissed, the momentum ebbed as wickets fell and scoring slowed in the latter stages.

India’s bowling attack, led by disciplined spin and sharp pace, ensured that South Africa never managed to build the big partnerships needed to post a daunting score. Consistent pressure from the home side kept the Proteas’ run rate in check, and they were eventually dismissed with a total that offered a challenging but chaseable target.

In reply, India’s batting line-up demonstrated depth and purpose. Smart rotation of strike and timely boundaries kept the scoreboard ticking as they closed down the chase with overs to spare. South Africa’s bowlers fought hard, earning occasional breakthroughs, but the overall balance of India’s attack and depth of batting proved decisive.

The result sealed the series in India’s favour, reaffirming the home side’s strength in T20 cricket and highlighting areas for the Proteas to work on ahead of future assignments. Markram’s fifty will be remembered as a lone stand of resistance, but in the end it was not enough to prevent the series defeat.

South Africa now turns its focus to upcoming fixtures and will look to regroup, refine combinations and address the inconsistencies exposed in India’s conditions as they prepare for the next phase of their international schedule.