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===3rd ODI, Paarl (South Africa): India wins Paarl match; series 2-1===
[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/india-in-south-africa/india-vs-south-africa-last-3-4-months-were-mentally-challenging-says-sanju-samson/articleshow/106204636.cms   Dec 22, 2023: ''The Times of India'']

'''SANJU, INDIA’S SAMSON!'''

'' Batter’s Maiden ODI Century, Arshdeep’s 4/30 Guide India To 2-1 Series Triumph Over SA '' 

Paarl (South Africa) : Sanju Samson carved a well-measured maiden ODI hundred as India posted a challenging 296/8 against South Africa in the series-deciding third match. Samson (108 off 114 balls) found a perfect sidekick in the patient Tilak Varma, who struck his first ODI fifty (52 off 77 balls). The pair milked 116 precious runs for the fourth-wicket to place India in a position to win this series. Samson and Varma came together when India were slightly wobbling at 101/3 after being asked to bat first. 

A stellar bowling and fielding effort by the visitors helped them bowl South Africa out for 218 in 45.5 over as they won the match by 78 runs runs and the three-match series 2-1. Pacer Arshdeep Singh (4/30) and spinner Washington Sundar (2/38) were the stars with the ball. For the hosts, Tony de Zorzi, who had struck his maiden ODI hundred in the last game, topscored with 81 off 87 balls. However, he did not get any significant support from other batters.

 The pair showed excellent situational awareness. Their partnership was all about pragmatism, without letting go of any opportunity to unfurl any big shot. Usually a free-flowing hitter, Samson shelved his macho intentions for a large part of his innings, concentrating on singles and twos as the pitch also had this bite on it. But the right-hander intermittently brought out his T20 avatar into play like when he smashed pacer Nandre Burger for a big six or while executing an exquisite inside-out loft over cover off left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj for a four.

 His fifty came off 66 balls with a single to third man off pacer Beuran Hendricks. But at the other end, Varma generally struggled for flow as he could find a boundary only in his 39th ball, a scratchy pull off Hendricks. However, the left-hander gave company to Samson to take India out of the woods. 
After Varma fell in his venture to accelerate, Samson carried on and was not to be denied a hundred this time. The landmark moment for him came when he pushed Maharaj to long-off for a single as the dressing room went on its feet to applaud a fine dig. Samson was dismissed as he tried to up the ante as a skier off pacer Lizaad Williams was snaffled by Reeza Hendricks inside the rings. However, a cameo by Rinku Singh (38 off 27 balls) helped India motor on in the end phase of the innings. But before India made that good fightback, the Proteas bowlers had them on the ropes, taking three quick wickets. PTI

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