The Indian team has rolled into Lucknow with momentum firmly on its side, and after a demanding spell on the field, the Men in Blue allowed themselves a brief breather. Fresh from reclaiming a 2–1 lead in the five-match T20I series against South Africa, the squad enjoyed a rare team outing on Monday night, stepping out together for a movie in the city.

With the temperatures in Lucknow still cool enough to warrant jackets, the relaxed evening came as a reward for a disciplined all-round performance in Dharamsala. Sources revealed that the entire team attended a late-night screening of the Akshaye Khanna–Ranveer Singh starrer Dhurandhar, using the downtime to switch off mentally ahead of the crucial fourth T20I.

India’s dominance in the third T20I was built on a ruthless bowling effort. Opting to bowl first in seam-friendly conditions, the hosts bundled South Africa out for just 117. In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana rose to the occasion, striking early and removing three batters inside the powerplay. Their control ensured South Africa was constantly under pressure.

ALSO READ: Ben Stokes Issues Stern Warning As England Face Australia In Must-Win Adelaide Ashes Test

Skipper Aiden Markram fought a lone battle with a gritty half-century, but partnerships never materialised. Despite fielding a quality pace attack, the visitors were always playing catch-up on a surface that clearly favoured disciplined bowling. They eventually finished well short of a competitive total.

Movie night for Team India 👀 pic.twitter.com/vtvAbHJ3Fe

— Shubman X 77 (@AyushKumar76463) December 16, 2025

India’s chase was composed rather than explosive. Abhishek Sharma’s brisk 35 off 18 balls at the top ensured there was no early panic, even as wickets fell sporadically. While Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube made key contributions earlier with the ball, it was Varun Chakravarthy who completely shut the door on South Africa.

ALSO READ: Australia Recall Pat Cummins For Adelaide Test As Key Changes Shape Third Ashes Clash

The mystery spinner produced a match-defining spell of four overs for just 11 runs, picking up two crucial wickets. One of them was Donovan Ferreira, the only South African batter apart from Markram to reach double figures.

With confidence restored and spirits lifted, India now turn their focus to the fourth T20I in Lucknow on Wednesday, refreshed and ready to push for a series-clinching win.