India defeated South Africa by 78 runs on Thursday at Boland Park in Paarl, clinching the three-match ODI series 2-1, thanks to Sanju Samson’s first-ever century in international cricket and Arshdeep Singh’s four-wicket haul.
South Africa was off to a great start chasing 297 after Reeza Hendricks and Tony de Zorzi quickly put up a 59-run opening stand. Hendricks was then forced to play away from his body by Arshdeep, who then edged a catch behind the wicketkeeper.
Even though de Zorzi kept up his impressive form, Washington Sundar and Axar Patel’s spin duo defeated Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen, respectively.
Then, Arshdeep used a yorker to trap de Zorzi up front. Hard-hitters Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller failed to score runs as South Africa lost its final six wickets for a mere 57 runs.
Rajat Patidar, making his batting debut, was off the blocks fast earlier. In the course of three deliveries, he destroyed Nandre Burger for a six and a four before being cleaned up in the same over.
Shortly after, Sai Sudharsan, fresh off two consecutive half-centuries, lost his life. During their 52-run partnership for the third wicket, Samson and captain KL Rahul steadied the ship. After Rahul left, Tilak Varma teamed up with Samson, and the left-hander scored his first fifty runs in an ODI.
After a sluggish start, Samson quickly picked up speed to score a century off of 110 balls and put India on track for a respectable total. With a blistering 27-ball 38, Rinku Singh contributed to the visitor’s match-winning total.