In a high-stakes ODI collection 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 tip of Heinrich Klaasen‘s innings.
Sai Sudharsan’s tremendous acrobatic catch: Turning the tide in India’s favour
The crucial second unfolded within the second ball of the thirty third over throughout South Africa’s run chase. Avesh Khan delivered a full ball simply exterior off, extracting additional bounce that caught Klaasen off guard, leading to a pop-up off the bat. Sudharsan’s lightning-fast reflexes got here into play as he sprinted ahead and executed an excellent dive, managing to get his fingertips beneath the dipping ball. The third umpire’s affirmation that the fingers had been certainly beneath the ball solidified Sudharsan’s tremendous acrobatic catch.
This catch performed a vital position in KL Rahul‘s males securing a 2-1 collection win at Proteas’ dwelling, defeating the Aiden Markram-led outfit by a margin of 78 runs. Staring down the defeat at one level, the bowlers made a shocking comeback to bowl the hosts out for 218 of their chase of 297.
Right here’s the video:
A full size dive and Sai sends Paarl into the wave of silence.#SouthAfrica in hassle.
Tune-in to the third #SAvIND ODI
LIVE NOW | Star Sports activities Community#Cricket pic.twitter.com/vJ99KIdqh8— Star Sports activities (@StarSportsIndia) December 21, 2023
Sanju Samson’s heroic century lifts India
Within the first ODI towards South Africa, India confronted a frightening activity after being put into bat. Markram’s determination to bowl first appeared justified till Sanju Samson stepped as much as the plate. Samson’s magnificent maiden ODI century, comprising 108 runs studded with six fours and three sixes, turned the centerpiece of India’s innings. Supported by Tilak Varma‘s resilient 52, Samson performed a pivotal position in stabilizing the innings after the early lack of wickets.
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Rinku Singh and Washington Sundar propel India to 296/8
With a stable basis laid by Samson and Varma, the duo of Rinku Singh (38) and Washington Sundar (14) powered India to a aggressive 296/8 in 50 overs. Regardless of the Proteas’ bowling efforts, together with Beuran Hendricks‘ 3/63 and Nandre Burger‘s two wickets, Singh and Sundar’s contributions ensured India set a difficult goal.
South Africa’ response and India’s bowling brilliance
In pursuit of India’s goal, Tony de Zorzi‘s 81 and Markram’s 36 offered hope for South Africa. Nevertheless, Sundar and Khan emerged because the game-changers, every securing two essential wickets that derailed the Proteas’ progress. Arshdeep Singh‘s distinctive bowling efficiency, claiming 4/30 in 9 overs, finally sealed the deal for India.
Additionally READ: Twitter reactions: Sanju Samson, Arshdeep Singh star in India’s series-clinching win over South Africa in third ODI
