Indian all-rounder Axar Patel has been weaving the net around South Africa’s batsmen in the ongoing third ODI. The decisive match will be played at Boland Park in Paarl.
India set a total of 296 runs on the board and started their defense on a great note. The spinners, particularly Axar Patel, have made it difficult for the opposition team to score, on a surface that seems to be getting slow.
Axar Patel gave his team a very important breakthrough by eliminating the dangerous Rassie van der Dussen. The all-rounder bowled a peach delivery and the South African batsman had no idea about it and he ended up losing his wicket after playing more than 15 balls.
Axar Patel launched a magnificent armbar that caught Rassie van der Dussen in front. The batsman did not look in good form and got caught at the crease. He was unsure whether to advance or play from behind as he completely missed the ball and saw his stumps vibrate.
Here is the video:
Rassie gets fooled by Axar as India slows SA chase
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Rassie van der Dussen didn’t look comfortable against Axar Patel from the start. The Proteas batsman scored just 2 runs off 17 balls and his wicket left South Africa reeling at 76/2 inside 15 overs in the chase of 297 runs.
Axar Patel has found his length and is hitting the right spot. He is making the South African batsman lose patience and it will not be a surprise if he ends up picking more wickets in the game. His partner Washington Sundar at the other end has been nothing short of exceptional.
Washington Sundar has been extremely economical and the duo together is troubling South Africa a lot. The wicket is also helping them and they are making sure to extract full spin from the surface.
IND vs SA: Ahead of Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh gave his team a crucial breakthrough
Before spinners Axar Patel and Washington Sundar came into the attack, Arshdeep Singh provided his team with the breakthrough. The left-arm pacer, who has been in excellent form in the series, removed Reeza Hendricks to draw first blood for her team in the series decider.
Arshdeep Singh caught the outside edge of Reeza Hendricks and removed the batsman for 19 runs off 24 balls. His breakthrough paved the way for Axar Patel and Washington Sundar to chip in with some quick overs without conceding many runs.
Earlier, India were asked to bat first and did not get off to a great start. Rajat Patidar (22) Sai Sudharsan (10) and KL Rahul (21) lost their wickets early and the team came under immense pressure. After that, Tilak Varma (52) and Sanju Samson (108) played magnificently well.
They got India out of trouble before Rinku Singh finally ended the innings on a high. He scored 38 runs which propelled India to a total of 296 runs. The series between India and South Africa is 1-1. The KL Rahul-led team won the first match but Proteas came back strongly in the second match.
