India once again lost the toss in this series as the hosts opted to bowl first. Their batters began decently but South African bowlers had the control. Once KL Rahul was removed at 101/3, India appeared to be in trouble.
Tilak Varma then emerged to join Samson, and he suffered mightily. India’s run rate was rapidly falling behind the left-hander, who was unable to be found and unable to rotate the strike. Sanju Samson also took a few careless shots during that stretch of play. However, the duo managed to reverse the situation following a few fortunate escapes.
Moving on, Varma earned his maiden fifty in an ODI, while Samson, who generally seemed at ease and fluid on a challenging wicket, reached the three-figure mark. The pacers were making the ball move early on, and later Maharaj and Markram also found some turn.
India made a significant comeback after appearing rather passive for the first thirty overs or so. With a stunning century from Sanju Samson, they finished with 296 after hitting 141 in the final 14 overs. The pitch is sluggish and a little dry, and in the latter stages we even witnessed a number of cutters being bowled.
Indian bowlers deliver series win against South Africa
In fact, South Africa was responding to the Indian total rather well. With a fluid 81, Tony de Zorzi proved to be the best batter once again. By the halfway point, they were moving along quite smoothly at 141/2. But that’s when things started to go in the visitors’ favour. The wicket of Aiden Markram proved to be the catalyst for India, who continued to chip steadily at the wickets during regular intervals.
None of the South African batters could establish a partnership or hold the fort. After David Miller was dismissed during the 38th over, India’s victory seemed certain. Among the Indian bowlers, Arshdeep Singh stood out with 4/30 from 9 overs. India was able to win the series only for the second time on South African soil so this has been a great tour so far for the visitors.
Fans react as India clinch ODI series 2-1 after stunning victory in 3rd ODI against South Africa:
INDIA WON THE ODI SERIES IN SOUTH AFRICA…!!!! ??
A memorable series win with youngsters led by KL Rahul – stars are Sanju Samson & Arshdeep Singh. pic.twitter.com/lXnyVy6XiD
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 21, 2023
KL Rahul and Co. make history as they become the second Indian side to clinch an ODI series against South Africa in South Africa.
— Secular Chad (@SachabhartiyaRW) December 21, 2023
Match winning innings by Sanju. Aggressive cricket. Congratulations Team India. India wins series. ??
— Nirmal Roy (@nroy11) December 21, 2023
Sai Sudharsan is done well in the ODI series main player to watch
— ?Harry Billa? (@Billa2Harry) December 21, 2023
Well done team India ?
— ??..Rai ji..?? (@Vinod_r108) December 21, 2023
Absolutely! The victory in the ODI series in South Africa led by KL Rahul and fueled by the contributions of young talents like Sanju Samson and Arshdeep Singh is truly commendable. Well done, Team India! ???
— Renu (@Talk2Rinki) December 21, 2023
Congratulations team India??
— SADDAM SRK (@SADDAMH45) December 21, 2023
Great win For India???
— Fahad Khan (@Faddy229) December 21, 2023
WHAT A INNINGS SANJU ? pic.twitter.com/YPeARNzfDx
— Shivaye ? (@shivaye01) December 21, 2023
Arshdeep Singh ?
"Man of this series"#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/LiGEwxsSkf— ?? ???? ??? (@JaiShreeRam90) December 21, 2023
KL Rahul captaincy ? Sanju Samson ?
— Ahmer??? (@ahmersiyal20) December 21, 2023
Congratulations to India for the series win you're Champion of bilateral series ?.
But only paper champions in ICC events.
— Atif khan (@atifmanzoor105) December 21, 2023
KL Rahul with C grade team won series against SA in SA ???
— I.P.S?? (@Plant_Warrior) December 21, 2023
