In the third and final One-Day International (ODI) of the series, India defeated South Africa by 78 runs on Thursday, December 21 at Boland Park, Paarl. Following their introduction to the bat, the Men in Blue amassed a respectable 296/8 in the 50 overs allotted to them thanks to an outstanding century from Sanju Samson. Keshav Maharaj came out to bat at number eight as South Africa responded, reaching 177/6 after 33.2 overs and needing another 120 runs to win.
The Hindu devotional song “Ram Siya Ram” began playing on the tailender’s entrance as soon as he made his way out to the center. After listening to it, KL Rahul, the captain, informed Keshav Maharaj that the DJ always plays the song as the South African batter steps out to bat. Rahul inquired further, “Is the song played even when I come on to bowl?” The left-arm spinner nodded yes.
KL Rahul was heard saying into the stump mic, “Keshav bhai, every time you come, they play this song.”
See the entertaining exchange here.
Did you hear👂 pic.twitter.com/i2AEDyIEUh
— Arya_Sinha9 (@Yobitch92321581) December 21, 2023
In South Africa, India prevailed in their second ODI series.
Arshdeep Singh removed Maharaj for 14 (27) as South Africa was bowled out for 218 in 45.5 overs, giving India a 2-1 series victory. Additionally, he dismissed Tilak Varma with a score of 1/37 in the first inning. As Avesh Khan (2/45) and Washington Sundar (2/38) each claimed two wickets, Arshdeep Singh (4/30) was the visitor’s standout performer with the ball.
Sanju Samson had a fantastic day earlier at the bat for India, blasting six fours and three sixes in his innings to record his first-ever ODI century with 108 off 114 balls. Tilak Varma (108 off 114) and Rinku Singh (38 off 27) provided him with good support, as the trio helped India post 296/8 in the 50 overs they were given.