Rajat Patidar did not have a fruitful outing in his debut match as he managed a low score against South Africa in the third ODI in progress. The decisive match between both teams will be played at Boland Park in Paarl, where the Proteas put the visitors in first place.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury paved the way for Rajat Patidar to make his debut in the third match against South Africa. The batsman opened the innings for his team and played some impressive shots that kept the crowd buzzing.
Rajat Patidar looked set for a big knock the way he started the innings. But his stay at the crease was cut short by Nandre Burger’s astonishing delivery. The left-arm pacer bowled an over-the-top delivery which came back in after the delivery.
Rajat Patidar tried to make an effort but the ball caught the inside edge of the bat and hit the leg stump. Pacer Nandre Burger put up an aggressive celebration after removing the batsman and was quite elated.
Here is the video:
– Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka (@Hanji_CricDekho) December 21, 2023
Nandre Burger got perfect revenge, having previously received a big six. He was fired up after the wicket. He drew the first blood of his time and left the host reeling at 34-1.
Rajat Patidar played a good knock of 22 runs off 16 balls. He smashed three fours and a six in his innings, ensuring that his team got off to a good start. He added 34 runs in association with Sai Sudharsan (10), who after a few overs was removed by Beuran Hendricks.
IND vs SA: After Rajat Patidar and Sai Sudharsan, KL Rahul dies for 21
After India lost the openers in Rajat Patidar and Sai Sudharsan, captain KL Rahul and Sanju Samson got the team out of trouble and played a decent hand together. The duo added 52 runs for the third wicket and ensured that their team did not lose any more wickets after flattering from the start.
KL Rahul looked set for a big knock but got an unfortunate dismissal. Wiaan Mulder bowled a long ball over leg which the batsman tried to bat away. He got a bottom edge and the ball flew off the thigh pad and straight into the hands of goalkeeper Heinrich Klaasen.
KL Rahul scored 21 runs off 35 balls and hit two fours in his innings. His wicket came against the run of play and his team fell to 101/3. The onus will now fall on Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma to take the team forward. The wicketkeeper-batsman looks solid at the crease and looks set for a big ton. It will be a great opportunity to assert his authority in the team after a bad streak.
The series between India and South Africa remains tied 1-1. India would hope to take the lead and win the series.
