In the third ODI between India and South Africa, Team India concluded a successful white-ball campaign with a 2-1 series win, showcasing a clinical performance. Led by KL Rahul, the Indian side, missing key players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah, managed to outplay South Africa, who had several World Cup-squad members. Sanju Samson’s remarkable century and Arshdeep Singh’s exceptional four-wicket haul played crucial roles in India’s victory.
Notably, this win marked a historic achievement for Rahul, who became only the second Indian captain to lead the team to an ODI series victory in South Africa, following in the footsteps of Virat Kohli.
While Samson’s stellar innings and Arshdeep’s bowling performance were the cricketing highlights, a moment from the third ODI captured widespread attention on social media. In the second innings, when South African all-rounder Keshav Maharaj walked into bat with the team struggling at 177 for six in 33.2 overs, a unique incident unfolded.
The speakers at the Boland Park began playing the song ‘Ram Siya Ram’ as Maharaj took guard. KL Rahul, who was keeping wickets, quickly pointed out to Maharaj that the song is consistently played whenever he comes into bat. Maharaj acknowledged with a ‘yes,’ and Rahul responded with a smile, creating a lighthearted and viral moment on social media.
In their batting innings, India faced early setbacks as debutant Rajat Patidar and Sai Sudharsna were dismissed within the powerplay, managing only 34 runs with the opening pair. However, Sanju Samson played a pivotal role, forming a fifty-run partnership with captain KL Rahul and later a substantial 116-run stand with young Tilak Varma.
During this innings, Samson not only anchored the innings but also achieved a significant milestone, scoring his maiden ODI century after a prolonged wait. His efforts propelled India to a total of 296 for eight in their allotted 50 overs.
In response to India’s challenging total, Tony de Zorzi, who had previously scored a century in the second ODI, took on the responsibility of steering the hosts towards another victory. However, his innings was curtailed by Arshdeep at 81 off 87 balls.
Unfortunately for South Africa, the rest of their batting lineup failed to provide substantial support, leading to their eventual dismissal for 218 with 25 balls still remaining. India’s bowling, led by Arshdeep, proved effective in restricting the hosts and securing the series victory.
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