Parl. Sanju Samson’s maiden ODI century and Arshdeep Singh’s four-wicket haul helped India beat South Africa by 78 runs in the crucial third match to clinch Series 2. In your name 1. Batting first, the Indian team scored 296 runs for eight wickets in which Samson played an innings of 108 runs off 114 balls.
While Tilak Verma scored 52 off 77 balls, his maiden ODI half-century. Both added 116 runs for the fourth wicket. In reply, the host team is 45 runs. Was out for 218 runs in 5 overs. Fast bowler Arshdeep took four wickets for 30 runs in nine overs while Avesh Khan and Washington Sundar got two wickets each.
Second series win since 2018
India have won the ODI series here for the second time since 2018. For South Africa, apart from opener Tony De Georgie, no batsman could survive. Georgi scored 81 runs in 87 balls with the help of six fours and three sixes. He was dismissed LBW by Arshdeep. Earlier, opener Riza Hendricks (19) was caught out by KL Rahul off Arshdeep in the ninth over. Apart from captain Aidan Markram (36) and Henrik Klaasen (21), no other batsman could contribute significantly. The Indian team had a poor start and lost three wickets for 101 runs. However, Samson and Verma got India out of trouble by playing according to the situation. Both scored runs with composure without playing any risky shots.
Samson’s bat showed charisma
Samson, who usually plays big shots, showed tremendous composure early on and took the runs forward with runs of one and two. Once settled at the crease, he played in the T20 style and hit fast bowler Nandre Berger for a six over midwicket. After this left arm spinner Keshav Maharaj hit a four. Samson’s half century was completed in 66 balls. He reached this figure by running out Buran Hendricks at third man. At the other end, Verma hit his first four off the 39th ball. He was seen struggling to score runs but supported Samson very well.
Samson’s bat caught fire
In an attempt to score a quick run, Verma was caught out by Vian Mulder in the deep off Maharaj. Even after he left, Samson didn’t lose his rhythm. He completed his century by taking Maharaj to long off for a run. However, soon after, he was caught by Riza Hendricks while trying to play a high shot to fast bowler Lizard Williams. Rinku Singh, as per his reputation, scored explosive runs and added 38 runs off 27 balls. However, South Africa took three wickets one after the other to prevent India from crossing the 300-run mark. Earlier, Rajat Patidar, who came to open the innings in place of the injured Ruturaj Gaekwad, scored 22 runs in 16 balls. Bargar sent him to the pavilion. When Hendricks got Sai Sudarshan out lbw. KL Rahul shared a 52-run partnership with Samson but Mulder was caught behind the wicket by Indian captain Henrik Klaasen while trying to play a pull shot.
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Tags: Arshdeep Singh, BCCI Cricket, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson
First published: December 22, 2023, 01:24 IST