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In a high-stakes ODI series decider between South Africa and India at Boland Park in Paarl on Thursday (December 21), Sai Sudharsan stole the limelight with a jaw-dropping catch that marked the end of Heinrich Klaasen‘s innings.
Sai Sudharsan’s super acrobatic catch: Turning the tide in India’s favour
The critical moment unfolded in the second ball of the 33rd over during South Africa’s run chase. Avesh Khan delivered a full ball just outside off, extracting extra bounce that caught Klaasen off guard, resulting in a pop-up off the bat. Sudharsan’s lightning-fast reflexes came into play as he sprinted forward and executed a superb dive, managing to get his fingertips under the dipping ball. The third umpire’s confirmation that the fingers were indeed underneath the ball solidified Sudharsan’s super acrobatic catch.
This catch played a crucial role in KL Rahul‘s men securing a 2-1 series win at Proteas’ home, defeating the Aiden Markram-led outfit by a margin of 78 runs. Staring down the defeat at one point, the bowlers made a stunning comeback to bowl the hosts out for 218 in their chase of 297.
Here’s the video:
A full length dive and Sai sends Paarl into the wave of silence.#SouthAfrica in trouble.
Tune-in to the 3rd #SAvIND ODI
LIVE NOW | Star Sports Network#Cricket pic.twitter.com/vJ99KIdqh8— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 21, 2023
Sanju Samson’s heroic century lifts India
In the first ODI against South Africa, India faced a daunting task after being put into bat. Markram’s decision to bowl first seemed justified until Sanju Samson stepped up to the plate. Samson’s magnificent maiden ODI century, comprising 108 runs studded with six fours and three sixes, became the centerpiece of India’s innings. Supported by Tilak Varma‘s resilient 52, Samson played a pivotal role in stabilizing the innings after the early loss of wickets.
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Rinku Singh and Washington Sundar propel India to 296/8
With a solid foundation laid by Samson and Varma, the duo of Rinku Singh (38) and Washington Sundar (14) powered India to a competitive 296/8 in 50 overs. Despite the Proteas’ bowling efforts, including Beuran Hendricks‘ 3/63 and Nandre Burger‘s two wickets, Singh and Sundar’s contributions ensured India set a challenging target.
South Africa’ response and India’s bowling brilliance
In pursuit of India’s target, Tony de Zorzi‘s 81 and Markram’s 36 provided hope for South Africa. However, Sundar and Khan emerged as the game-changers, each securing two crucial wickets that derailed the Proteas’ progress. Arshdeep Singh‘s exceptional bowling performance, claiming 4/30 in 9 overs, ultimately sealed the deal for India.
