India bounced back from a crushing defeat in the second ODI to beat South Africa by 78 runs in the third and final match at Paarl on Thursday. With this victory, India secured the three-match series 2-1.
While the hosts were favourites against the the young Indian side, KL Rahul and boys showed how deep India’s talent pool is. The win was extra special for skipper KL, who avenged the humiliating whitewash the last time his-led side suffered in the rainbow nation in 2021/22.
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Sanju Samson was the star for India, scoring a brilliant 108 off 114 balls, his maiden ODI century. He shared a 116-run partnership with Tilak Varma, who made 52 off 77 balls, to lift India from a precarious 49/2 to a competitive total of 296/8.
South Africa’s chase started in strong fashion, openers adding 59 runs before Arshdeep struck to dismiss Reeza Hendricks.
Axar Patel then got Rassie van der Dussen cheaply to stage a comeback in the game.
However, Tony de Zorzi, once again frustrated Team India with 87-ball 81.
With 156 needed in 25 overs, South Africa were well ahead before Aiden Markram’s wicket opened the floodgates.
Arshdeep Singh, the left-arm pacer, was the pick of the bowlers for India, taking 4/30 in his 9 overs. He dismissed both the openers, Reeza Hendricks and Tony de Zorzi, as well as Keshav Maharaj and Lizzad Williams. Washington Sundar, and Avesh Khan also chipped in with two wickets each as South Africa were bowled out for 218 in 45.5 overs.
This was India’s first ODI series win in South Africa since 2010/11, when they won 2-1 under MS Dhoni. The two teams will now face each other in a two-match Test series, starting from December 26 at Centurion. The Test series will be part of the ICC World Test Championship, where India are currently placed second and South Africa are fourth.
