Team India picked up a comprehensive series win to end a commendable white-ball campaign in South Africa.
Team India picked up a comprehensive ODI series win on Thursday to end the white-ball campaign in South Africa on a strong note. After their 1-1 draw in the T20I series against the home team, led by KL Rahul and missing key players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah, India sealed the ODI series 2-1.
Sanju Samson was the standout performer for the side with his first international century, eight years after his debut, while Arshdeep Singh continued his good form with the ball with an excellent spell with a four-wicket haul. This helped India clinch a convincing 78-run victory for India in the series decider. Notably, Rahul became the second Indian captain, after Kohli, to lead the team to an ODI series win in South Africa.
Apart from these on-field performances, a moment from the third ODI went viral on social media. It was during South Africa’s innings when Keshav Maharaj walked out to bat even as his side was struggling at 177 for six in 33.2 overs. The DJ at Boland Park played the song ‘Ram Siya Ram’ and Indian captain Rahul was quick to notice the tradition. He pointed it out to Maharaj, who confirmed with a ‘yes’.
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— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) December 21, 2023
India batted first and Rajat Patidar, making his debut, made a blistering start, but then was dismissed after a breezy innings. Sai Sudarshan too departed in the powerplay after the opening pair managed 34 runs. Samson then added a fifty-run partnership with skipper KL Rahul before a 116-run alliance with young Tilak Varma. Samson notched up his maiden ODI century and his efforts powered India to 296 for eight in 50 overs.
In the chase, despite Tony de Zorzi’s blazing innings, South Africa stuttered in the middle overs. There was no support from the other batters as the Proteas was knocked over for 218 with 25 balls to spare.
Both sides will now lock horns for a 2-match Test series. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah will all be back for India for this series.