Paarl [South Africa]: Maiden ODI century by wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson and half-century by Tilak Varma helped India post a competitive 296/8 in the third ODI against South Africa at Paarl on Thursday.
Put to bat first by Proteas, India was off to a decent start. Debutant Rajat Patidar opened the batting with Sai Sudharsan. Patidar targetted pacers Nandre Burger and Lizaad Williams, particularly Williams.
However, Patidar's innings was short as he was clean bowled by Nandre Burger for 22 off 16 balls, with three fours and a six. India was 34/1 in 4.4 overs.
Sudharshan could not continue with his form, as he was trapped leg-before wicket by Beuran Hendricks for just 10. India was 49/2 in 7.3 overs.
India reached the 50-run mark in 7.5 overs.
At the end of the first powerplay, India was 59/2 in 10 overs.
The duo of Sanju Samson, promoted up the order and skipper KL Rahul took India to the 100-run mark in 18.3 overs, bringing some stability.
The 52-run partnership between Sanju and KL was ended as Wiaan Mulder removed him for 21 off 35 balls, with two fours. He was caught behind by Heinrich Klaasen. India was 101/3 in 18.5 overs.
Sanju was joined by Tilak Varma at the crease. Samson reached his fourth ODI fifty in 66 balls, with four boundaries to his name. In the face of falling wickets, Sanju played a measured knock instead of opting for a more attacking approach.