Indian fast-bowler Arshdeep Singh on Thursday was a happy man. Arshdeep was one of the central figures for India in the IND vs SA 3rd ODI as India won the IND vs SA ODI series 2-1. Chasing a total of 298, the Proteas fell short by 78 runs. Arshdeep was at the fore of the South Africa batting collapse, taking four wickets to tilt the tie in India’s favour. The left-arm pacer took 10 wickets in the three-match series, including a fifer in the first match. Arshdeep was adjudged Man-of-the-Series due to his dominant performance.
The wickets Arshdeep Singh took were of immense importance. Arshdeep provided the first breakthrough in Thursday’s match, breaking the opening partnership to get rid of Reeza Hendricks. However, it was Arshdeep’s second wicket that proved to be the all-important one. Tony de Zorzi was batting at 81 and looked to take the game away from the hosts when Arshdeep tactfully trapped him in front of the stumps. The match could have gone either way if de Zorzi stayed at the crease for a bit longer.
Arshdeep’s next two wickets came at the end, with the pacer sending tailenders Wiaan Mulder and Keshav Maharaj back to the pavillion.
At the post-match presentation ceremony, the left-arm pacer discussed his plans for the South African batting line-up coming into the series.
“There was always something in the wicket throughout the day. Sometimes it was gripping and stopping. The plan was simple, it was to bowl wicket-to-wicket and get LBWs and bowled. IPL has been a very good platform for us youngsters, there isn’t a big gap between IPL and international cricket. You understand the mindset of international cricketers and it helps. We are all loving the chances we got. We’d love to give our all in the future as well and do well,” Arshdeep said.
Arshdeep was also asked about the reason for appealing loudly. “We had very little support from the umpires, so I had to appeal loudly,” Arshdeep quipped.
