Team India registered a series-levelling victory in Ranchi ODI.
Opting to bat first, the Proteas rode on half-centuries from Aiden Markram (79 off 89 balls) and Reeza Hendricks (74 off 76 balls) to post 278/7 on the board.
Pacer Mohammed Siraj was the stand-out bowler for India, claiming three wickets by conceding 38 runs in his 10 overs.
In reply, the Men in Blue lost both their openers, Shikhar Dhawan (13) and Shubman Gill (28), early. Amid the pressure situation, Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer rose the occasion.
Kishan and Iyer were severe on the South African bowlers and added 161 runs for the third wicket to put the hosts in the driver’s seat.
While Ishan Kishan got out for 93 off 84 balls(4 fours and 7 sixes), Shreyas held the one end firmly. After the southpaw’s dismissal, Samson arrived in the middle to partner Iyer and the duo shared an unbroken 73-run stand to take India over the line in 45.5 overs.
In the process, Shreyas Iyer notched up his second ODI ton and remained unbeaten on 113 off 111 balls (15 fours) whereas Samson returned with 30 not out.
For their stunning knocks in the pressure chase, Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan received rich praise from the cricket fraternity on Twitter.
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