Indian batter Shubman Gill (AP Image)
India defeated South Africa by seven wickets in the third ODI and clinched the ODI series 2-1 under the leadership of Shikhar Dhawan
India have clinched the three-match ODI series 2-1 after defeating South Africa by seven wickets in the final ODI at Feroz Shah Kotla on Tuesday (October 11).
Indian batters registered a comfortable win as opener Shubman Gill played stylish innings of 49 runs off 57 along with structured support from Shreyas Iyer on the other end. Winning the toss, India asked the visitors to bat first but the Proteas struggled to score runs as they bundled down on just 99 runs in 27.1 overs. In the run chase, Indian skipper Shikhar Dhawan came out to bat with Gill but unfortunately went back to pavilion after a run-out.
Following the first wicket, Ishan Kishan entered the pitch but scored only 10 off 18 balls. However, Gill and Iyer took the charge of the innings, with latter smashing a classy six to take India to the finish line.
Earlier in the day, the bowlers especially the spinners stunned South African batters as the Indian spin trio of Washington Sundar (2/15), Shahbaz Ahmed (2/32) and Kuldeep Yadav (4/18) bowled at the right lengths on a slow Kotla pitch to bag a total of eight wickets. Along with them, Mohammad Siraj also showcased his pace as he took two important wickets.
Yadav was a treat to the eyes as he bowled really to clean up the South African lower order. However, he missed on his hattrick. The Proteas looked dull in their batting approach as apart from Heinrich Klaasen, no batter managed to play some good innings.
With a win in the third ODI, many Indian young batters have presented their name as probable contenders for 2023 World squad. While, South Africa will have to struggle as they haven’t qualified straight away to the major tournament slated to be in India, next year.
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