IND vs SA, 3rd ODI | Impact Performer - Sanju Samson

image-lqg89j94Sanju Samson played a brilliant knock in the third match against South Africa (Source: AP Photos)

India has emerged victorious on South African soil, securing a memorable series win. This achievement holds a touch of sweet revenge, considering their 3-0 defeat in the last ODI series played in South Africa. Notably, this marks only the second loss for the Proteas at Boland Park in 10 outings, with the previous defeat occurring in 2013 against the Kiwis.

In the second innings of the match, the Indian bowlers faced an initial challenge as they conceded a notable number of boundaries, putting them on the backfoot. However, the tide turned when Arshdeep Singh, after changing ends, secured a crucial breakthrough by dismissing Reeza Hendricks. This breakthrough injected a sense of control and momentum into the Indian bowling attack.

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The spin duo of Axar Patel and Washington Sundar then took center stage, employing strategic variations and restricting the South African batters. Axar Patel's disciplined bowling and Sundar's ability to extract turn and bounce added immense pressure on the opposition. Their combined efforts resulted in crucial breakthroughs, chipping away at the South African batting lineup.

As the innings progressed, Aiden Markram's uncharacteristic shot opened the door for the Indian bowlers to intensify their attack. Arshdeep Singh, in particular, delivered an exceptional performance, wreaking havoc in the lower order and finishing with an impressive four-wicket haul. Washington Sundar and Avesh Khan also contributed with valuable wickets, showcasing the depth and effectiveness of India's bowling arsenal. The coordinated effort of the bowlers played a pivotal role in dismantling the South African lineup and securing a memorable series win for India.


Pitch Map Breakdown: In-Depth Analysis of Samson's Innings

image-lqg7b0gyAnalysing Sanju’s Boundaries & Wicket Pitch Map

The initial innings witnessed fluctuations, with South African pacers recovering after an early burst by debutant Rajat Patidar, claiming quick wickets. Sanju Samson, facing performance pressure, adeptly absorbed it, forging partnerships with Tilak Varma and later with Rinku Singh. 

Samson escalated the tempo strategically, achieving a maiden century, while Rinku Singh showcased aggression in the final 10 overs, propelling India close to the 300-run milestone. Sanju Samson showcased his ability to flex, both literally and metaphorically, upon reaching his maiden ODI century. 

Despite debuting for Kerala in domestic cricket a dozen years ago, Samson's international career spanned only 16 ODIs, attributed partly to limited opportunities. His flexing gesture, emphasizing his bicep strength, symbolized his resilience and determination to persevere. This act resonated with his teammates, reflecting a collective agreement on Samson's enduring strength and commitment.

Samson, slated to bat at No. 3, was summoned in the fifth over, granting him a significant duration to exhibit his prowess. Demonstrating patience, he adeptly assessed the conditions and circumstances. His initial three boundaries were a testament to precision rather than raw power, emerging within 22 balls—a clear signal that he prioritized settling in before adopting an aggressive approach.


Conclusion

Sanju Samson clinches the Player of the Match for his inaugural ODI century. Expressing joy at achieving a substantial score in international cricket, he attributes this success to his dedicated hard work. Samson acknowledges the advantage of the ODI format, providing additional time for wicket analysis and understanding the opposition's strategies. 

Commending Tilak Varma for his mature performance at a young age, Samson predicts a promising future as a big-match player. He lauds the high quality of Indian cricket, emphasizing that even junior players comprehend and meet the expectations placed upon them.