Ind vs SA ODI Series
Sanju Samson’s maiden ODI century, a first in international cricket for him, paved the way for India’s 78-run triumph over South Africa in the decisive Paarl encounter, resulting in India winning the ODI series 2-1.
India, batting first, amassed 296/8, their second-highest total against South Africa on these grounds. Despite a challenging pitch favoring both pacers and spinners, India’s all-round bowling prowess made the target insurmountable for the opposition.
Initially struggling at 132/3 after 30 overs, India made a remarkable recovery, scoring 141 runs in the last 14 overs, with Rinku Singh’s brisk 38 off 27 playing a crucial role. The centerpiece of the innings, however, was the 116-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Samson and Tilak Varma, who became the second-highest run-scorer with 52 runs.
Varma’s innings, characterized by five fours and a six, came at a challenging strike rate of 67, adding pressure on Samson. Despite a sluggish start, Varma accelerated in the latter part, contributing significantly to his maiden ODI fifty. Samson, on the other hand, displayed a different level of batting prowess, scoring a hundred with 6 fours and 3 sixes.
Although Varma and Samson departed after their notable contributions, their partnership ensured India set a competitive total. Keshav Maharaj excelled as the standout bowler for the hosts, finishing with figures of 10-2-37-1, while Markram and Hendricks also made notable contributions.
In response, South Africa’s chase started well with a 59-run opening stand between Reeza Henricks and Tony de Zorzi. However, wickets tumbled after that, triggered by Arshdeep Singh’s delivery that dismissed Henricks. Aiden Markram and de Zorzi steadied the innings with a 65-run partnership, but a cascade of wickets followed, including Markram’s dismissal due to an ill-advised reverse-sweep.
Arshdeep, Avesh, and Mukhesh Kumar dismantled the South African batting lineup, with Arshdeep finishing with figures of 4-30. Sundar, Axar Patel, and Arshdeep combined to bowl South Africa out for 218. Sundar took 2-38, Axar claimed 1-48, and Arshdeep’s impressive performance secured the victory as India made a memorable return to the ODI format after the World Cup heartbreak.
Brief Scores: India 296/8 in 50 overs (Samson 108, Tilak 52; Henricks 3-63) defeated South Africa 218 in 45.4 overs (de Zorzi 81; Arshdeep 4-30) by 78 runs.