Sanju Samson’s maiden international century helped India clinch the three-match ODI series 2-1 against South Africa on Thursday at Boland Park, Paarl. Samson led the foundation of the crucial win while the bowlers also complemented his knock well with a clinical performance on a tricky batting surface. Arshdeep Singh claimed a four-fer as South Africa were bundled out for 218 in reply to India’s 296/8.
Tony de Zorzi’s 81-run knock went in vain as the Indian bowlers kept taking wickets at regular intervals to dent their chase.
For India, Arshdeep Singh (4/30), Washington Sundar (2/38) and Avesh Khan (2/45) were the main wicket takers.
Meanwhile, Mukesh Kumar also claimed the crucial wicket of David Miller which almost sealed the win for India.
Beuran Hendricks was the last man to get out as Samson took his catch on Avesh’s delivery to seal the series for India.
Earlier, India lost the young openers early when Aiden Markram asked them to bat first.
Debutant Rajat Patidar, who stepped in for an injured opener Ruturaj Gaikwad was a treat to watch during his 16-ball 22, exhibiting wonderful eye-hand coordination.
But Burger’s lovely in-dipper that disturbed the stumps snapped his stay and Hendricks trapped Sai Sudharsan in front of the wicket with a delivery that was angled into him from over the wicket.
Samson, who was snubbed from India’s ODI World Cup squad earlier this year, batted sensibly and played a fine knock to help India reach a fighting total in the series decider.
India made a couple of changes in their playing XI as Samson was also promoted to bat at number 3 – the position where he usually bats for his domestic and IPL sides.
The wicketkeeper batter grabbed the opportunity with both hands and scored his first ODI century.
He stitched a 52-run stand alongside skipper KL Rahul for the third wicket after the two openers failed to put up a big score. However, Rahul was also dismissed for 28 and then Samson joined hands with young Tilak Verma to revive the Indian innings.
The duo played sensibly to put India in a good position with a 116-run stand for the fourth wicket.
The landmark moment for him came when he pushed Maharaj to long-off for a single as the dressing room went on its feet to applaud a fine dig.
Samson was dismissed as he tried to up the ante as a skier off pacer Lizaad Williams was snaffled by Reeza Hendricks inside the rings.
However, a good cameo by Rinku Singh (38 off 27 balls) helped India motor on in the end phase of the innings.
Brief Scores:
India: 296 for 8 in 50 overs (Sanju Samson 108, Tilak Varma 52; Beuran Hendricks 3/63).
South Africa: 218 all out in 45.5 overs (Tony de Zorzi 81; Arshdeep Singh 4/30).
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