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In a remarkable turnaround, Team India secured a series victory against South Africa in the third ODI in Paarl on Thursday (December 21). The visitors bounced back from a disheartening loss in Gqeberha to win the decider by 78 runs, claiming the series 2-1. KL Rahul, leading the team, joined the elite club, becoming the second Indian captain, after Virat Kohli, to win an ODI series in South Africa.
Sanju Samson’s maiden ODI century steals the show
The pivotal moment in the series came in the Paarl ODI, where Sanju Samson showcased his batting prowess with a brilliant century. Samson’s impressive 108 off 114 balls earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match award. This maiden international century, comprising six fours and three sixes, played a crucial role in India posting a competitive 296/8 after being asked to bat first.
Sanjay Manjrekar names the ‘find’ of SA vs IND ODI series
Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, speaking to ESPNcricinfo, lauded Samson as the “find’ of the ODI series against the Proteas. Manjrekar highlighted Samson’s adaptability, commending him for molding his game according to the situation, a quality that had eluded him in the past.
“Sanju Samson was the biggest find of the series for India because we have been waiting for this moment for many years,” Manjrekar said.
“He came into bat in the fourth [fifth] over and reached his 100 in the 44th over. That was the requirement of the team. Those who have been skeptical of Samson were expecting something like this from him. It was a very impressive innings because the other things are there. If he had scored an 80-ball hundred, I would have said well done. But this is more than that because you have now have long-term hope from him,” the 58-year-old concluded.
Also READ: Twitter reactions: Sanju Samson, Arshdeep Singh star in India’s series-clinching win over South Africa in 3rd ODI
Samson’s impactful performance in ODI cricket
Samson’s stellar contributions in the series not only secured India’s triumph but also marked a significant milestone in his international career. The 29-year-old batter has now amassed 510 runs in 16 ODIs, boasting an impressive average of 56.66 and a strike rate of 99.60. With a burgeoning record that includes a century and three fifties in ODIs, Samson has emerged as a valuable asset for Team India, showcasing consistency and adaptability on the big stage.
