India beat South Africa by 7 runs in the third and final T20I at Newlands, Cape Town to clinch the three-match series 2-1. They signed off in style after a long tour. It was Bhuvneshwar Kumar who ensured that India doesn't concede 19 runs in the last over.
An attacking innings from Christiaan Jonker -- 49 in 24 balls -- had put everyone's heart in mouth. Jonker was following his skipper JP Duminy in a chase of 173. Duminy's 55 had brought some light for the hosts after their previous game hero Heinrich Klaasen departed early with just 7 runs in 10 balls.
In the end, South Africa could only manage 165 for 6. Bhuvneshwar finished with 2/24 and Pandya with 1/22 in their four overs.
Batting first, India started well with 57 runs in their 6-over powerplay. They were cruising to a big total before Suresh Raina (43) and Shikhar Dhawan's steady innings of 47 came to an end. Despite lack of strong partnerships, small contributions in the lower order ensured India to reach a fighting total of 172.
Raina was named Man of The Match and Bhuvneshwar's consistent bowling performance got him Man of The Series, as India sealed the series by 2-1.
Indian cricketers took Twitter to express themselves after the win. Here are the tweets:
Great way to end a wonderful tour and time for us as a team. Jai hind ???????????? pic.twitter.com/46C92QJnTk
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) February 25, 2018
What a comeback by #TeamIndia! Batting and bowling efforts have been par excellence!
— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) February 24, 2018
Great effort to end the tour on a winning note...Special feeling to be back in blue! ???? pic.twitter.com/mWNqJsiPwK
That's HAPPINESS defined by one single picture! What a great feeling! Well done boys ???????????????? @BCCI pic.twitter.com/7L7KRuaqaD
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) February 24, 2018
Proud of the boys for showing real steel. Easily #TeamIndia's best ever tour of South Africa by a country mile. Enjoy. ???????? pic.twitter.com/bR7WkSssgw
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) February 25, 2018
It's not the will to win, But the will to prepare to win that makes the difference!???? #serieswinonceagain????????#SAvsInd
— Jasprit bumrah (@Jaspritbumrah93) February 24, 2018
Cheers!???? pic.twitter.com/bDbEuexyf3
Ending the tour on a high. Another great series victory #TeamIndia ???????? pic.twitter.com/Pj1e7JZzNS
— Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) February 25, 2018