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India comfortably beat South Africa in the ODI decider by 78 runs at Paarl on Thursday, December 21, to take the series 2-1. KL Rahul became just the second Indian captain after Virat Kohli to win an ODI series on South African soil.
Batting wasn't easy early on in the third match. The Proteas asked the visitors to bat first and the latter were in a spot of bother. However, Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma stitched up a strong century stand. That was followed by a breezy cameo from Rinku Singh to provide India with a strong total of 296/8 in their 50 overs.
While South Africa started their chase well, Arshdeep Singh (4/30) and Washington Sundar (2/38) made major dents in the middle overs. That eventually proved to be a blow too big for the hosts. They were bundled out for just 216, giving India the series and also a lot of confidence.
On that note, let's take a look at three moments from the game that grabbed the attention of fans on social media:
#3 Rajat Patidar's first boundary for India
With Ruturaj Gaikwad still nursing a finger injury from the second ODI, Rajat Patidar received his India cap and got the opportunity to open the innings. While he didn't score big, his innings of 22(16) showed glimpses of why he is rated so highly in the Indian domestic circuit.
The way Patidar cracked a delivery through point for a boundary showed just how gifted he is as a player. The ball just rocketed to the fence and left the commentators as well as fans in awe.
Patidar, having put up consistent performances in domestic cricket and the IPL, could well play frequently for the Men in Blue.
#2 Sanju Samson's maiden ODI hundred
Sanju Samson has always divided opinions among fans. While some believe he never got the consistent chances he deserved, others feel he wasn't able to make full use of his opportunity.
However, Samson grabbed the opportunity to make a statement in Paarl with both hands, smashing 108 off just 114 balls to notch up his maiden ODI hundred. He even flexed his bicep during the celebrations, presumably pointing to the strength he showed in working on himself and making several comebacks despite being in and out of the side.
#1 Sai Sudharsan's stunning catch to send Heinrich Klaasen packing
South Africa kept losing wickets just after a partnership started to look promising, but it was Heinrich Klaasen's dismissal that broke the back of their chase. He looked set for a big score when he was on 21 and it needed something special to get rid of him.
That special effort came in the form of a sensational catch from Sai Sudharsan. The delivery from Avesh Khan held onto the pitch and Klaasen was a bit early with his shot. He could only lob it towards mid off where Sudharsan came running in and timed his dive to perfection to take the catch inches off the ground.
That wicket took all the momentum out of South Africa's chase and things just went south for the hosts from that point.
Click here to watch the highlights of India vs South Africa 3rd ODI.
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